Joseph Raben, Ph.D., 90, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2015.  Originally from New York and living in Barrington RI for the last 13 years, Dr. Raben was Professor Emeritus of Queens College, City University of New York, teaching in the English Department from 1954-1984. He was an Army Veteran, serving in World War II while stationed in Japan.

In 1966 he founded the journal "Computers and the Humanities" to report on significant new research concerning the application of computer methods to humanities scholarship. This was the first periodical in the nascent field later known as digital humanities, or humanities computing.   In 2010 he traveled to Kings College, London to receive the prestigious Roberto Busa award for his foundational contributions to humanities computing.  At the time of his death he was writing a book, "Shelley in the Digital Age."

Joe, is survived by his wife, Estelle Raben, Ph. D., his four step daughters Beth Klein, M.D., Geri Armine-Klein, J.D., Hilary Klein, M.D., Erika Klein, M.D., his son Jeremy Raben , his son in law James Schwartz, M.D., daughters in law Cynthia Armine-Klein, Siat Ng  and his seven beloved grandchildren: Jason, Ben, Emily, Josh, Sarah, Zachary and Ruby.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations ,may be made to Doctors without Borders P.O. Box 5030 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.