Copeland MacClintock

December 3, 1930 - January 20, 2019

In his 88th year Copeland MacClintock passed away peacefully at his home in Hamden on January 20. The son of Princeton University professor Paul MacClintock and Elizabeth Sewell Copeland, he followed his father’s footsteps as geologist and paleontologist. A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Cope received his MA from the University of Wyoming where he met his wife-to-be Dorcas, with whom he would share a lifelong interest in the natural world. In 1963, after completing his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, he came to Yale Peabody Museum where his research focused on shell microstructure within the Mollusca (shelled invertebrates). Retiring in 2010, he continued to volunteer his time and institutional memory to the museum. Cope's geology walks in East Rock Park, annual spring and fall events, drew enthusiastic groups (see NHRegister feature article by Randall Beach, April 14, 2018). Commented a colleague: “As much as he has been in research all his life, Cope really loves to teach,” Noting Cope’s lifelong interest in box turtles., he added “Those who join the hikes get the benefit of his 'endearing curmudgeonly personality.’ ” He is deeply missed by his wife Dorcas, his daughters Margaret and Pamela, granddaughter Zora, sister Lucia Barbour, and by his collie Bonnie A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Sisk Brothers Funeral Home , 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden. www.siskbrothers.com