Paul M. Hohenberg, PhD

Troy - Paul Marcel Hohenberg of Troy New York passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after a short illness. He was born in Paris, France on September 11, 1933 to Eric and Hedwige (Bauer) Hohenberg. The family was forced to move as France entered the war in 1939 and then was overrun by German forces, the more so as the family were enemy aliens once the parents' native Austria was taken over by Nazi Germany. They were able to reunite in Aix-en-Provence and then to emigrate to the United States, spending the war years in New York City. The family returned to Paris in 1947 and Paul attended the suburban lycee in Enghien-les-Bains. He returned to the US to attend Cornell University, graduating in 1956 with the degree of Bachelor of Chemical Engineering. Two years of industrial practice convinced him to change careers and he moved to Boston, receiving a Master of Arts degree in international studies from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He then went to MIT and received a PhD in Economics in 1963. During this period he supported himself principally by teaching French and German to MIT graduate students for their doctoral exams.

Paul entered on a teaching career in economics that brought him to Stanford University, Cornell, Sir George Williams (now Concordia) University in Montreal, Quebec, and finally to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Paul also taught at Bennington College and the University at Albany. After twenty eight years at RPI he retired as Professor emeritus and Acting Department Head in 2002. His academic career centered on economic history, and he published a number of books, articles and book chapters and served the Economic History Association both as editor of the Journal and as president and vice-president. 

Paul took an active role in his adoptive home town, serving on the boards of the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, where he was president twice, the Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Troy Public Library and Library Foundation, and the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. He and his wife were regular patrons of the performing arts. In earlier years Paul was also involved in theater and music, performing in operas and musicals as well as choral groups and choirs. He also loved folk music and dance. He enjoyed hiking, particularly in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in his native France. And he never outgrew his taste for books, travel, and food, often boasting of being the second-best cook in the house. 

Paul appeared many times on local TV news and talk radio and gave numerous talks on public affairs.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, his brother Pierre, and his wife Alane (Snortland). He is survived by his sisters-law Barbara, and Mary and Ellen Snortland, his niece Laura Castellano (David), his son Daniel Coble, and by a number of cousins. Those wishing to remember him are invited to contribute to their favorite non-profit organization. To sign the guest book or light a candle, visit www.brycefuneralhome.com. 

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