The Province of the United States of America recommends to our fraternal prayers our dear brother, EUGENE FELD, who died in the service of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 20, 2006, in San Antonio, Texas, in the 89th year of his age and the 71st year of his religious profession.

Eugene Feld was born April 16, 1918, in St. Louis to Joseph and Helen (Keller) Feld. He attended Nativity Parish grade school in St. Louis and was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The sister of Bro.William Braun S.M., who worked with Bro. Eugene’s father, suggested to the family that their sons might be interested in attending schools operated by the Marianists. Consequently, Eugene enrolled at Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, and entered the postulate at Maryhurst in 1934. In 1935, Bro. Eugene wrote, “In my mind there is no doubt that to become a religious in the Society of Mary is my vocation.” He professed first vows on August 15, 1936, and final vows at Maryhurst on July 18, 1941.

His teaching career began in 1938, with a year at St. Joseph’s High School in Victoria, Texas, and a year in Detroit at Holy Redeemer High School. He completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the University of Dayton in 1942, and in 1947 received his master’s degree in mathematics from Loyola University in Chicago. Other teaching assignments included Central Catholic High School in San Antonio (1941-1942, 1952-1967) and St. Michael’s in Chicago (1942-1945). In the St. Louis area, he taught high school at St. Mary’s (1945-1948), McBride (1948-1949) and DeAndreis (1949-1952). In 1967 he began his longest teaching assignment, 28 years at Chaminade College Prep (1967- 1995).

Bro. Eugene taught religion, physics, chemistry and English, but teaching mathematics was his passion. He developed advanced math placement classes for students at Central Catholic and Chaminade. The excellent results Bro. Eugene’s students received on placement exams are legendary, according to Bro. Jim Eppy, Chaminade math teacher. “Bro. Gene spearheaded numerous programs in our secondary schools, from an advanced placement calculus program in the late 1950s to teaching statistics in high school in the 1970s—all innovative practices at the time, ” said Bro. Eppy.

Many students returned over the years to praise Bro. Eugene for the quality of his courses and his understanding of math. Former student Joe San Migual, Central Catholic class of 1962, who went on to teach at the University of Houston, remembers using notes from Bro. Eugene’s class as handouts for his calculus class. “He profoundly influenced several generations in his long, distinguished teaching career. He inspired students to achieve and excel,” said Mr. Migual.

Deacon Patrick Cunningham, Central Catholic class of 1964 and now Central Catholic principal, remembers the lighter side of Bro. Eugene. “He had an infectious smile and corny jokes that lightened up what could be a pretty serious encounter with math,” said Deacon Cunningham.

While at Chaminade, Bro. Eugene briefly served as a member of the school’s administrative team, and for 12 years as a sub-director of the community. His extracurricular activities centered on the photography club at various schools. Most of his photography was shot with a 4”x 5” speed graphic camera. He also coached and served as an athletic director. In his younger days, he was an avid runner and walker, sometimes walking as many as 15 miles a day. “While walking, he would try to imagine the possible ways his students could make mistakes and all the different ways he could explain theory so they could understand it,” said Bro. Eppy.

Bro. Eugene stayed active with many interests. His photography hobby turned into a quasi-professional career as a weekend wedding photographer. He also entered bridge and fishing tournaments and played basketball.

In 1995, due to failing health, Bro. Eugene was assigned to the Marianist Residence in San Antonio. Earlier this year, Bro. Eugene celebrated the 70th anniversary of his religious profession.

May he rest in peace.