The following memorial tribute to Maurice E. Cope was presented by David Stone, associate professor of art history, at the General Faculty meeting on April 9, 2007: 

Dr. Maurice E. Cope, professor emeritus in the Department of Art History at the University of Delaware, died peacefully from pancreatic cancer at his home in New Castle, Delaware on Feb. 26, 2007, at the age of 81. 

A Veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific on a mine sweeper, Cope later attended the University of Chicago where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in art history. He taught at Valparaiso University, the University of Chicago, Pomona College, Ohio State University, and for the final 24 years of his career, at the University of Delaware (he retired in 1997).

His articles appeared in various academic journals, and his well-regarded book, The Venetian Chapel of the Sacrament in the Sixteenth Century, was published in 1979. He also published an affectionate essay in 1991 on the drawings of his colleague, fellow specialist in Italian Renaissance art and long-time friend, the late Philipp Fehl, in Birds of a Feather, an exhibition catalogue for the Krannert Art Museum at the University of Illinois.

Recipient of a Fulbright fellowship for study in Italy in 1954-55, Cope returned to Florence for 18 months in 1967-68, helping to recover works of art damaged in the 1966 flood. He received the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1978.

Maurie (as everyone affectionately called him) was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Detroit, to Henry E. Cope and Myragene M. Cope who were both physicians working for the state of Michigan. His grandfather, Henry F. Cope, a professor of religious education at the University of Chicago, founded a religious retreat at Little Point Sable, MI over 100 years ago. His great grandfather was a civil war surgeon for the Union Army.

He led a happy life traveling extensively in Europe and enjoying a deep interest in art, classical music, ballet and especially opera. He was a passionate and discriminating collector of prints, especially those of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Endlessly generous in making his collection accessible to students -- not only to those in his own seminars, but also to other professors and their students – Maurie taught generations of UD students to look closely at objects and appreciate their complex techniques, range of quality, and subtleties of iconography.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas and Nicholas; a daughter, Cynthia; four grandchildren, Alexander, Elizabeth, Jacqueline, and Jeremy; a sister, Elinor Burton; and two nieces, Jean and Ann Burton.

March 1, 2007--Maurice E. Cope, 81, professor emeritus of art history at the University of Delaware, died from pancreatic cancer at his home on Feb. 26.

Dr. Cope retired from the University in 1997 after 24 years of service. In 1978, he received the University's excellence in teaching award.

He was born Feb. 4, 1926, in Detroit. His parents were both physicians working for the state of Michigan; His grandfather, Henry F. Cope, was a professor of religious education at the University of Chicago, who founded a religious retreat at Little Point Sable, Mich., more than 100 years ago; and his great-grandfather was a Civil War surgeon for the Union Army.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific on a mine sweeper.

He attended the University of Chicago, where he received his master's degree and Ph.D. in art history.

Dr. Cope taught at Valparaiso University, the University of Chicago, Pomona College, Ohio State University and UD.

He has published articles in various academic journals as well as a book, The Venetian Chapel of the Sacrament in the 16th Century. In 1967-68, Dr. Cope spent 18 months in Italy, working to restore great works of art that were damaged in the floods that occurred in late 1966.

He traveled extensively in Europe and enjoying a deep interest in art, classical music, ballet and especially opera. He was fluent in Italian and also spoke French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Latin and Russian.

He is survived by two sons, Thomas and Nicholas; a daughter, Cynthia; four grandchildren, Alexander, Elizabeth, Jacqueline and Jeremy; a sister, Elinor Burton; and two nieces, Jean and Ann Burton.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 1, at the Gebhart Funeral Home, 531 Delaware St., New Castle, where friends may visit with the family beginning at 2 pm. Burial will be held privately in Little Point Sable, Mich., later this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Humane Association, 701 A St., Wilmington, DE 19801.