David Freeman Votaw, Jr., a mathematics professor, author and humanitarian, and 40-year resident of Winchester, passed away at the Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester on May 8th. Born in Ava, Missouri, he was the son of the late David F. and Vivian May (Snow) Votaw, Sr. He was raised and educated in Missouri and Texas and received his undergraduate degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, and his Masters Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He attended Princeton University where he received a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. His studies at Princeton were interrupted when he enlisted in the service during WWII, where he served as a Navy Specialist. While stationed in Washington D.C., he met the love of his life, Sarah Jane (Buster), who was working there for the Federal Government. They shared 49 years of marriage until her passing in 1998.
Upon his return from the Navy, Dr. Votaw taught Mathematics, Statistics and Business Administration at Yale, Boston College, Clark University, and most recently at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He was a member of the American Statistical Association and other technical professional societies. He published one book and authored a number of technical papers.
He is survived by his children, James David Votaw of Quincy and Catherine Jane Votaw of Woburn. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 11AM at the First Congregational Church of Winchester, 21 Church St. (on the Common). Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be held at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester on Monday from 5-9PM. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Princeton University, P.O. Box 5357, Princeton, NJ 08543-5357.