Samuel (Walter) Askinas

Dr. Samuel Walter Askinas 92 formerly of Hartford and Avon died peacefully April 2 at his home in Boynton Beach FL. He was born May 21 1925 the son of Russian immigrants Abraham and Jennie (Smith) Askinas and grew up in Hartford where he attended Weaver High School. He earned a BS in Biology from Yale University in 1945 and his DDS from New York University College of Dentistry in 1949. He had a successful private dental practice in Pawcatuck before pursuing a career in the military in 1956. He advanced to the rank of full colonel in the US Air Force and received the Legion of Merit the highest noncombat award bestowed by the Air Force. Upon retiring in 1983 he began a second career in academia at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine as a Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Restorative Dentistry eventually advancing to become Executive Dean. He was a recipient of the Dean’s Medal the highest honor awarded by each school at Tufts University and presented to individuals who have demonstrated loyalty service and generosity. Upon his retirement an endowed student award the Dr. Walter Askinas Senior Prize Fund for Integrity and Citizenship was established. While in his 70’s Dr. Askinas then assisted with the establishment of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale FL where he served for more than a decade as Professor and Chair of the Department of Prosthodontics. In 2008 he was honored as the school’s first Professor Emeritus. Dr. Askinas engaged in many philanthropic activities traveled much of the world and was an avid fan of aviation automotives bicycling classic film music detective fiction photography puzzles and Yiddish language and culture. He was predeceased by his first wife the former Frances Roslyn Cooper. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Mae Herman Askinas his stepsons Dr. Barry Herman of Philadelphia PA Dr. Richard Herman of North Easton MA and Dr. Jonathan Herman of Decatur GA his grandchildren Anna Herman Noah Herman Molly Herman-Gallow and Carly Herman-Gallow and his cousins Jacob Fine and Ora Fine Rotenberg. A graveside ceremony will be held on Thursday April 5 at 11:30 AM at Beth El Cemetery 51 Jackson Street Avon. A memorial service will be held at a later date in South Florida. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dr. Walter Askinas Senior Prize Fund for Integrity and Citizenship at Tufts University.

Service Date: 01/01/1970