Charles Robinson Katholi

1/2/41 – 2/28/24

Charles R. Katholi, Emeritus Professor of Biostatistics at UAB, passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 83. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia on January 2, 1941, to the late William Anton Katholi and Constance Robinson Katholi.

Dr. Katholi came to UAB as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1970 and was a founding member of the School of Public Health faculty. He was promoted to Professor in 1995, served as Interim Chair of the Department of Biostatistics from 1997 to 1999, and was named Professor Emeritus in 2003. Dr. Katholi served on many School of Public Health, UAB and national committees throughout his long and distinguished career. As a statistical researcher, he authored more than 123 publications.

In his 54 years at UAB, his love for teaching and mentoring his students was evident in his dedication and accessibility beyond the classroom. He genuinely cared about the students and wanted to see them succeed. The Charles R. Katholi Distinguished Dissertation Award was created in recognition of his dedication to excellence in educating generations of biostatisticians as an educator, mentor, and friend.

He graduated from Lehigh University, attended Adelphi University receiving an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Mathematics.

Dr. Katholi served on various community boards and participated in local government. He was a friend of Bill W for more than 45 years and found strength in supporting and encouraging others in that fellowship.

Charles Katholi is survived by his wife, Ann Warren Katholi, and two sons, Charles R. Katholi, Jr. and William L. Katholi; brothers Richard E. Katholi (Margaret) and William D. Katholi; and three nieces and two nephews. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, at Independent Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, with visitation immediately following in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Katholi Scholarship fund for the UAB School of Public Health, the UAB Blazer Kitchen at Hill Student Center, Independent Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.