Dr. Charles Dennis Ignasias, 70, departed this life Sunday, July 18th, after a brief illness. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of Charles "CH" and Elise Marie Ignasias. Dr. Ignasias moved to Salisbury in 1973 after accepting the position of Director of Research and Grants and Director of the 1890 Agricultural Research Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Aquinas College; Master of Arts in History from Michigan State University; Certificate in International Studies from the University of Pittsburgh; and two doctorates (Ph.D.), the first in History from Michigan State University and the second in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Ignasias began his professional career at Ohio Northern University as an Assistant Professor in History and Political Science (1966-1968), followed by five years in the University of Wisconsin System (Whitewater, Milwaukee, and Madison campuses) as an Assistant Professor of History and Coordinator of Planning and Analysis. In 1973, Dr. Ignasias began his distinguished 37 year career at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore where he served in numerous positions for five presidents. He began as the Director of Research and Grants and Director of the 1890 Agricultural Research Program, serving for 10 years. In 1983 he became Assistant Dean and Director of International Programs and served in this capacity for six years, followed by two years as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and Director of International Programs. His role in Graduate Studies spanned nearly 20 years, serving as Associate Dean, Dean, and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Since 2006, Dr. Ignasias has served as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. Under his leadership, graduate programs have flourished, with the number of programs and student enrollment doubling and financial support increasing.
Dr. Ignasias is survived by his beloved partner, Martha Zimmerman of Princess Anne; four daughters, Molly Lionberger of Salisbury, Dr. Wendy Henderson of Bethesda, Carly Banks and her husband, Brian Banks, of Fruitland, Julie Ignasias of Salisbury, and a son, Charles Ignasias II of Salisbury as well as their significant others; seven grandchildren, Thomas Hayes Henderson, Emma Henderson, Sarah Henderson, and Gabriella Ghany of Bethesda, Lindsey Lionberger and Dale Lionberger of Salisbury and John Wilson Banks of Fruitland; one sister, Charon Dianne Robertson of Grand Rapids, MI; two nephews, Ethan Ty Massey of Delmar and Charles Robertson of Grand Rapids, MI; one niece, Raleen Robertson of Grand Rapids, MI; other family, Sheila McQuinn and Randa Jones of Worcester, MA, as well as a host of other loved ones, friends, church members, and colleagues throughout the United States. He is preceded in death by his special Chocolate Labrador, Nestle.
Dr. Ignasias traveled extensively throughout Africa, Europe and Central America. He loved traveling, animals, reading, walking, and spending time with family. Dr. Ignasias is greatly loved and respected by his family and by the community alike and will truly be missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Habitat for Humanity, 980 West Isabella Street, Salisbury, MD 21804; The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3235, Salisbury, MD 21802; or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 23rd at 12pm at Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10am to 12pm. A cremation will follow the service.