Joseph F. Durocher, 61, Nottingham, N.H., associate professor of Hospitality Management at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics, Durham, N.H., lost his courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 18. Joe, the husband of Regina Baraban, editor-at-large for the MeetingsNet magazines and formerly editor of Financial & Insurance Meetings, was well known in hospitality circles and taught classes in beverage management as well as meetings, conventions, and events management.

Joe received his B.A. from Columbia University in economics and then continued his education at Cornell's Hotel School where he earned a BS, MPS, and PhD. He taught at Cornell for six years, then at New York University for six years, where he founded the hotel management program. In 1986, he joined the faculty at UNH. He and Regina have co-authored a book, Successful Restaurant Design. Joe became known at conferences organized by FICP, the Financial & Insurance Conference Planners association, where he would occasionally accompany Regina.

In addition to leaving his wife of 24 years, Joe leaves three daughters, Debra Valdivieso, Lori McElroy, and Gail Durocher-Wentworth, and three grandchildren.

A celebration of his life is planned for August. Check back for more details about honoring Joe’s memory. For an article about Joe’s life, visit Fosters.com.