Marenes R. (Bud) Tripp, professor emeritus in life sciences at the University of Delaware, died Jan. 25, 2017, at Jenner's Pond Retirement Community in West Grove, Pennsylvania. He was 85.

Prof. Tripp graduated from Colgate University and earned his master's degree at the University of Rochester and his doctorate at Rutgers University. He held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard School of Public Health before joining the University of Delaware faculty, where he taught microbiology for 35 years until his retirement in 1995.

At UD, Prof. Tripp also served for several years as director of the then School of Life and Health Sciences.

Roger C. Wagner, professor emeritus of biological sciences, remembered Prof. Tripp fondly as "a great role model for me when I first arrived” at UD and as someone who gave advice that was “right on the mark."

"He was a tall, impressive, athletic man with a keen intellect and good sense of humor,” Wagner said. "Bud was the director of the School of Life and Health Sciences and provided steady, calm leadership. He is one of the very good memories I have had at the University of Delaware.”

Described by his family as a quiet man who enjoyed teaching, reading and birding, Prof. Tripp is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane, whom he met at the University of Rochester. He is also survived by his sons, Dan (Laurie), Andy (Betsy) and Steve (Lamorah); daughter-in-law, Carolyn; and six grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth.

Contributions in Prof. Tripp’s memory may be made to the Benevolent Care Fund of Jenner's Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.