Oliver Leon Hurley PhD

He is survived by his wife, Hannelore Hurley, his daughter Karla L. Chavers (Cornel); sons Noel L. Hurley & Shawn O. Hurley; daughter Heather R. Hurley-Monger (Darren); along with his grandchildren Xander, Oliver, Anneliese and Xavier.

He was born in Manhattan to Charles Oliver Hurley and Leotta V. Hurley on February 28, 1932. Both his parents immigrated to NYC from Barbados. He attended public and parochial schools in Manhattan, Upstate NY and Brooklyn, NY.

Oliver was a loving and devoted family man who volunteered for ten years reading books in his daughter Karla’s Kindergarten classes. He was always available to help with his own children’s Math homework, was involved in Girl Scouts, brushed up on his French by helping granddaughter, Anneliese, with high school assignments, attended all sports activities, served on PTA’s, attended school concerts and parent/teacher conferences. He cared deeply, was always involved, loved to laugh, stepped up to all tasks, traveled professionally, ordered HIGHLIGHTS magazine for his granddaughter - rushed to read it first and tried to locate all the Hidden Pictures. His favorite trip after retirement was to Southeast Asia with his friend Bill from grad-school. He loved all types of music, Art, studied languages, always enjoyed good food and spending time with dear...dear...old friends.

He loved LIFE and living it to the fullest.

There is so very much to celebrate and miss in our granddad, Dad and ever loving husband.

Dr. Hurley graduated from St. John University, Brooklyn, Cum Laude,1954. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship 1954 to study at the University of Bordeaux, France. He received his Masters Degree from City College of New York, CUNY, 1961. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois in 1965, with concentrations on research in Psychology and educating Students with Disabilities. He dedicated his scholarship and career to assure that all Students with Disabilities were granted legal protection and total access to a Free and Appropriate Education in U.S. public schools.

Dr. Hurley taught and conducted research at the University of Illinois; served as a psychologist at Grambling College in Louisiana; taught at C.U.N.Y.; conducted research at the Kennedy Child Study Center, NYC and Jacobi Hospital, Bronx, NY; taught at Ferkauf Graduate School - Yeshiva University, NY. He continued his academic career as professor at the University of Georgia; served as Department Chairman at GSU, and lastly as Associate Dean - Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA.

He retired as Professor Emeritus from GSU, 2001.

Dr. Hurley published and reviewed articles in professional journals, books, wrote book reviews, evaluated projects and grants proposals for the USDOE in DC, was Field Editor, served on national boards, panels, committees, reviewed university programs across the US, and held offices in numerous professional organizations, throughout his long career.

He served as Special Master assigned by the courts of D.C., Mills et al. Decree, landmark ‘Mills Case’, Washington D.C. 1975 - 1977.

He was appointed by the Georgia governor to serve as Commissioner on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, 1999 to 2002.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Association to aid research, prevention, treatment and cure for people with Parkinson’s are welcomed.