According to Mekalanos, Amos will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but also for his skill as an educator.

“[Amos] has been and continues to be the consummate teacher: available, approachable, knowledgeable and wise,” Mekalanos said in the e-mail. “Members of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics are forever grateful that we can say that Harold Amos has been our advisor, colleague, teacher and friend.”

Huang said he will always think of Amos’ personal characteristics.

“He could always find the basic goodness in everyone,” Huang said. “He loved french music and literature, but the main thing I will remember him by his is radiant vitality.”

According to Laura Weisel—administrator for the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics—a memorial service is being planned for late April or early May.

Amos is survived by five siblings; his brother, Howard, as well as four sisters, Iola Thomas, Margaret Johnson, Joyce Hester and Florine Williams.