David Cass, 71, longtime Penn economics professor, dies

David Cass, 71, a professor of economics at the University of Pennsylvania for 34 years, died of emphysema April 15 at his West Philadelphia home.

"Dave was an extraordinary scholar and generous man. He made singular contributions to economic theory," said George J. Mailath, chairman of Penn's economics department "He was a cornerstone of the graduate program."

Dr. Cass wrote scores of articles for academic journals, and books on economic theories. He was awarded several major fellowships, including the Guggenheim in 1970 and American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2003.

In 1995, the chain-smoking, ponytailed Dr. Cass, then 57, was dating a 31-year-old graduate student. When Penn considered a ban on relationships between teachers and students, Dr. Cass defended his personal freedom.

Dr. Cass, who was thought to be a shoo-in to chair the graduate economics program, got a rejection letter. Penn officials said he lost his temper when questioned about the romantic relationship. Dr. Cass said in a 1995 Inquirer story that he did not get the job because of his consensual relationship for a number of years with the student.

Dr. Cass was born in Honolulu and grew up in Oregon. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1958 from the University of Oregon and a doctorate in 1965 from Stanford University, both in economics.

Dr. Cass married Janice Vernon in 1959 and they raised two children before the marriage ended in 1980.

In 1959, he joined the Army National Guard Reserve. He was discharged in 1965 as a first lieutenant.

Dr. Cass taught at Yale University from 1965 to 1970, and Carnegie Mellon University from 1970 to 1974, before being named an economics professor at Penn. He taught at Penn until his death. During his long career, Dr. Cass was a visiting professor at universities all over the world.

Dr. Cass threw lavish parties at his West Philadelphia home, where he enjoyed an extensive collection of music.

When he was not relaxing at the mountain home he built in Sullivan County, Pa., he went to Atlantic City casinos and 76ers and Phillies games.

Dr. Cass is survived by a daughter, Lisa; a son, Steve; two granddaughters; a sister; and his former wife.

Services were private.