A funeral Mass was celebrated May 13 at Saint Elizabeth Church in Milton for retired Carroll School of Management Professor John Van Tassel, who died May 8 after a long illness. He was 85.
Dr. Van Tassel taught in CSOM for 48 years — mainly in the Operations and Strategic Management Department — and also served as associate dean from 1960-63 and associate dean and director from 1963-69.
Colleagues praised Dr. Van Tassel as an early advocate for computers in management education who was instrumental in their installation and use at Boston College. Galligan Professor of Strategy Sandra Waddock described him as “a pioneer” for developing a computer-based simulation that placed students in decision-marking roles as company managers.
Dr. Van Tassel retired in 2003 and was an officer in the Boston College Association of Retired Faculty.
A Natick native, US Army veteran and model train enthusiast, Dr. Van Tassel graduated from Boston College High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degree from Boston College, as well as a doctorate from Harvard University.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, and his sister, Barbara Enagonio; he was pre-deceased by his sister Elisabeth. Burial took place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
