Physicist George Whipple Clark died April 6 in Boston. He was 94.

He was born in Harvey, Ill. on August 31, 1928, the son of the late Robert Keep Clark and Margaret Whipple Clark.

George was passionate about astronomy from a young age. He graduated from Harvard University in 1949 and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1952.

He spent his career at MIT as a professor of physics, specializing in astrophysics. In the 1950s he collaborated with Bruno Rossi on several large cosmic ray air shower experiments. Later he worked on the focal plane crystal spectrometer experiment on the Einstein X-ray Observatory and was involved in satellite experiments that resulted in the discovery of high-energy gamma rays from galactic and extra-galactic sources.

His pioneering work in the use of balloon-borne instrumentation for observing celestial X-ray sources discovered high energy X-rays from the crab nebula.

Later, he was the principal investigator for the MIT X-Ray Observatory on the third small astronomy satellite.

He loved teaching at MIT, where he was respected by colleagues and students for his contributions to the field and dedication to teaching. After retiring from teaching in 1996, he continued research at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.

George built his own house on Edgartown Great Pond and contributed to Island life with his keen interest in conservation.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was an extraordinary influence on the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

George is survived by his daughter Jacqueline Clark; stepchildren Bridget Reischer, Blair Reischer, Sybille Reischer Ecroyd and Electa Reischer, and their spouses; and grandchildren Otto Ecroyd, Rosalind Reischer, Peter Reischer and Geneva Reischer Harburger.

He was predeceased by his wife, Charlotte Reischer Clark, and daughter Katherine (Kasia) Whipple Clark.

A celebration of his life will be held in late May.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or the Committee on Human Rights.