Dr. Richard Zaffron was born in Brooklyn New York, May 27, 1937, the son of Julia and Irving Zaffron. Dr. Zaffron attended Harvard University of Cambridge Mass., graduating Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, Dr. Zaffron completed post-graduate studies in philosophy, focusing on the history and logic of science and was awarded his Ph.d. at Indiana University of Bloomington.

Richard moved with his family to Chapel Hill, joining the UNC-Chapel Hill faculty in 1966. A specialist in the philosophy of the natural and social sciences, action theory and Wittgenstein, his work focused on studies of the concepts and methodologies of psychology and history. Dr. Zaffron retired after 35 years in 2003.

Among his other passions were music, drama and aviation. A gifted classical guitarist, he was a frequent and well-known folk performer in the clubs and coffehouses of Cambridge in the late 1950's and early sixties. After arriving in North Carolina, Dr. Zaffron adopted southern old-time bluegrass, playing mandolin and fiddle with the Fuzzy Mountain String Band, a progenitor of the Red Clay Ramblers, as well as touring the fiddlers' convention circuit in the late '60s and early '70s, winning 1st place in the fiddling competition in Independence Va. in 1972. While not performing for some years, he continued to enjoy playing classical guitar, and collecting vintage guitars. He continued to enjoy attending performances throughout the area.

During many of these years, he was a cast member in innumerable theatrical productions with the Everyman Company as well as other theatrical companies, and has more recently appeared in films such as "Sweet Dreamer."

Richard was throughout his life active in civic affairs, participating in the civil rights movement in the '60's, as well as national and local campaigns, most notably in his adopted hometown of Carrboro. Dr. Zaffron is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Zaffron of Carrboro; two sons, Alderman Alex Zaffron of Carrboro and Peter Zaffron of Seattle WA; brother, Barnett Zaffron of Highland Park IL. Richard died peacefully with his wife and sons at his side.

A public Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Saturday, January 22, in the Earl Wynn Theatre at the Arts Center, 300-G West Main St. Carrboro from 7-8:30 p.m. Richard will be laid to rest by his family in a private scattering ceremony held aloft, taking off from Horace Williams airport, Sunday, January 23. Arrangements by Cremation Society of the Carolinas.