This obituary appeared in the Chicago Maroon, a student newspaper at the University of Chicago, on April 11 2003.
Carlo Martino, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science, died Wednesday night at the University Hospital due to what doctors believe was a congenital heart defect. He was 30.
Martino felt chest pains on Wednesday and went to the Student Care Center. He was sent to the emergency room immediately where he was diagnosed with a rupturing aorta. While on his way to emergency surgery, Martino's aorta ruptured completely. He died shortly after 8pm.
Stuart Kurtz, chairman of the Computer Science Department, remembers Martino fondly. "He was very popular; he showed great promise," Kurtz said, adding that he was highly sought after as a teaching assistant.
"Students loved him and faculty really appreciated the support he gave." Kurtz said "He's a very engaging fellow -- bright, resourceful, very dedicated and hard working. He's the kind of grad student who makes it a joy to be a faculty member at the University of Chicago."
Gina-Anne Levow, an assistant professor in the Computer Science and Physical Science Departments, who worked closely with Martino, also spoke to his engagement with the University community. He was active in many groups outside the department, organizing everything from anti-war protest marches to science fiction and fantasy reading groups with other students, Levow said.
"Some people work in their cubicles and some go out and work in the communities," she said. "He was much more of the latter."
Martino, who was originally from New York City, graduated from Harvard University with a B.S. in Computer Science.
A memorial service is currently being planned.
-- Katherine Anne Robinson and D.I.Wolf
Errata: Carlo was admitted on Tuesday, not Wednesday.