Albert Arch Dekin Jr., an associate professor of anthropology at Binghamton University, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 28, at the age of 66.
According to Inside BU, Dekin, a resident of Newark Valley, began his work at BU in 1976. Dekin earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Dartmouth College in 1965 and later earned his doctorate in anthropology from Michigan State University in 1975.
As a professor at BU, Dekin held a variety of positions, from chair of the department of anthropology to acting associate dean of Harpur College. He also served as chair of the department of human development and as acting director of libraries.
Dekin took part in an assessment of the archaeological damage caused by the 1993 Exxon Valdez oil spill, according to the BU anthropology department Web site. He also was the executive director for the Pegasus Project on campus, a five-year program designed to overhaul the University’s information infrastructure.
His primary research interests were in Arctic peoples, and he spent time in Alaska conducting research. Before joining the faculty at BU, he conducted archaeological research prior to the construction of the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Dekin is survived by his son, three daughters, 11 grandchildren and the mother of his children.
A memorial service was held at the MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley on Feb. 3.