Miles D. Wolpin

Dr. Miles D. Wolpin

Miles David Wolpin, Hopkinton, died peacefully September 20, 2017 with his family by his side. He is survived by his devoted wife, Natasha Wolpin; a daughter, Robin Wolpin and grand-daughters, Claire and Katherine Englert of Massena; a son, Dr. Seth Wolpin of Seattle, Washington; and step-daughter, Ola (Claude) Aldous, and grand-daughter, Lidija Aldous of Dekalb Junction. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Dr. Lawrence (Gail) Wolpin in 1976, and he is survived by his younger brother, Carl (Ruth) Wolpin of Halifax, Nova Scotia as well as a close cousin, David Lifschultz of Larchmont, NY and several additional cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Miles, the first son of Sylvia Kessler Wolpin and Arthur Wolpin, was born in Mt. Vernon, NY. His primary years were spent in Woodbridge, New Jersey. A strong academic student, Miles received his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Finance. He spent a year studying abroad at the London School of Economics, which inspired a life-long passion for traveling and international politics. He continued his graduate education at Columbia University, receiving a Juris Doctorate, followed by a PhD in International Law. He was a prolific writer and researcher. He authored numerous books and articles that were internationally recognized in his area of study, primarily militarism and socialism in Latin American foreign policy.

After teaching assignments at Marlboro College, St. Francis University, and University of New Mexico, Miles began a career that spanned 25 years at SUNY Potsdam. He was an inspiring teacher to those who appreciated his sharp insight and critical analysis. During his career, he spent several years abroad conducting research in Chile, Cuba, Mexico and Norway. Apart from academic pursuits, he enjoyed his beloved hobby farm, Apple End, in Hopkinton where he worked tirelessly sowing and reaping his gardens. He was especially proud of his blueberry bushes during the summer, and he was known to pass out Charlie Brown Christmas trees during the holiday season. He believed in public service, spending time as a United University Professions delegate, on the Potsdam Co-op Board, and as a two-term justice for the Town of Hopkinton. For the last 15 years he was a faithful member of the Baptist Church eventually considering First Baptist Church of Parishville his spiritual home.

Respecting his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private service for immediate family will be held at Donaldson-Seymour Funeral home in Potsdam under the care of Pastor Pedro Morales. Burial will be in the Ft. Jackson-Hopkinton Cemetery. The family gives special thanks to the staff at St. Joseph’s Home in Ogdensburg.