Ralph C. Staiger, a founding member of the Newark, Del.-based International Reading Association, died on Jan. 7 of complications from diabetes. He was 84.
Mr. Staiger, a former psychology professor and the director of the reading clinic at the University of Southern Mississippi, helped start the association in 1956 and served as its executive director from 1962 to 1984. During that time, its membership grew from 12,000 to 80,000. The organization now serves 90,000 members worldwide.
Mr. Staiger “was a kind and enthusiastic person deeply committed to the improvement of reading instruction,” said Alan E. Farstrup, the organization’s current executive director.
—Michelle Galley
