John B. Morganti, Ph.D., Buffalo State psychology professor emeritus

April 22, 1940 – May 19, 2013

John B. Morganti, Ph.D., of East Aurora, a professor emeritus of psychology at Buffalo State College, died Sunday. He was 73.

Dr. Morganti taught at Buffalo State for more than 30 years, retiring in 1999 as a full professor of psychology. Before joining Buffalo State in 1968, he was an instructor of psychology at the University at Buffalo for three years.

Upon his retirement, then-Buffalo State President Muriel Howard praised Dr. Morganti as having been “a campus leader, serving on or chairing vital committees, acting as an advocate for colleagues” through the United University Professions union.

A native of the Hickory Woods neighborhood of South Buffalo, Dr. Morganti was a graduate of School 28 and Hutchinson-Central Technical High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UB and went on to receive his Ph.D. in social psychology in 1971 from UB.

Dr. Morganti was the author or co-author of more than 50 journal articles; made 60 presentations at professional meetings; was co-proposer of more than 20 funded grants or contracts with awards of almost $1 million; issued requests for research consultation from scientists in other institutions; and did grant reviews for the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Mental Health. He was a SUNY Faculty Exchange Scholar.

Dr. Morganti was involved in the United University Professions and Buffalo State College. In 2004, he received the UUP’s highest honor, the Nina Mitchell Award for Distinguished Service,

Among his other honors and awards were the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the New York State/United University Professions Excellence Award.

In his retirement, he enjoyed fishing, book club meetings and morning get-togethers with his Elma coffee group.

Surviving are his wife of almost 48 years, the former Judith Keller; two daughters, Elissa Banas and Laura Cotton; a sister, Sharon Kimaid; and two brothers, Ronald and Joseph.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 520 Oakwood Ave., East Aurora.

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