Charles S. Kahane, professor of mathematics, emeritus, at Vanderbilt, died May 23 as the result of injuries he sustained in a single-vehicle car crash along Interstate 65 in Hardin County, Ky. He was 78. Kahane’s wife, Claire R. Kahane, 75, also was killed in the crash.
Kahane was awarded emeritus status by Vanderbilt in 1998 and continued to publish theories on his passion, linear algebra. He received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1955 and his Ph.D. in 1962, both from New York University. He came to Vanderbilt from the University of Minnesota in the fall of 1969 as associate professor of mathematics and was promoted to professor of mathematics in 1984.
Within the Department of Mathematics, Kahane served as director of graduate studies from 1984 to 1987. He also served on many department committees, including the Graduate Program Committee and the Undergraduate Program Committee.
In addition, he served as a freshman adviser and as a member of many university committees, including the Academic Standards Committee, the Learning Resources Committee, the Graduate Faculty Council, the Faculty Council and the Committee on Individual Programs.
Claire Kahane was an accomplished needlework artist and designed the Torah covers at The Temple in Nashville.
The Kahanes are survived by their children, Danielle (Paul) Kaminsky, Peter (Gay) Kahane, Maddie Kahane, and Suzanne (Shannon) Gaw; grandchildren, Rachel and Joey Kaminsky, Camden and Tori Gaw and Sara Emma Irene Pauline Kahane; Claire’s brother, Eric (Anita) Fischer; and Charles’ sister, Lucy Goldmuntz.
Funeral services were held May 28 at The Temple Synagogue with interment at Temple Cemetery.