Professor Emeritus Rev. Robert W. Blaney, a longtime professor at University of the Pacific and former chair of the Religious Studies Department when it was then called Bible and Religious Education, died Nov. 3, 2025, at his home in Aptos, California. He was 94.

Blaney joined Pacific in 1966. During his 30 years at the university, he taught courses such as Christianity and Communism, Social Ethics, Church in the Modern World, Human Sexuality and Christianity and Biomedical Ethics. He also served as department chair for 10 years and was the director of the Pacific Center for the Study of Social Issues.

“It was a time when the whole world was changing,” said Father Robert Silva, former university chaplain. “His approach to religious studies was to be open and explore. He was not afraid to address issues. He was a good scholar and a wonderful friend.”

Blaney reflected on his time at Pacific in a 2011 interview with the Pacific Emeriti Society, sharing that the center provided an annual grant, had scholarships for outstanding seniors and teachers, and sponsored a series of annual lectures called the Clausen Lectures, “which brought outstanding scholars to speak.”

He was known for his work as an advocate for social justice for farmworkers, the LGBTQ community and oppressed minorities. He helped establish the start of academic governance and developmental leave, becoming one of the first professors to take such leave.

His dedication to students was evidenced by his instrumental roles in the development of Mentor 3, part of what is now referred to as CORE Seminars, the Bishop Scholars Program and Diversity Week.

Blaney traveled extensively, visiting China, the former Soviet Union and many parts of the world. He was renowned for leading educational tours across Europe, including significant studies on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Christianity in Eastern Europe prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He retired in 1996 and was granted emeritus status. He recieved the Order of Pacific, the university’s highest honor, at the 1996 commencement ceremonies.

“He continued to be a strong advocate for the Religious Studies Department during his retirement,” said Professor of Philosophy George D. Randels Jr. “His sense of social justice was obviously shaped by his graduate training and was displayed in his teaching and in his activism outside of the classroom. Susanne and I fondly remember the kindness and generosity he and his wife, Laurel, showed in helping us get settled into Stockton and Pacific.”

After retirement, Blaney became active in the Pacific Emeriti Society, serving as program chair in 1997 and 1998 and as president of the society from 1998-2000.

“I recall Dr. Blaney’s friendly smile, his keen interest in social issues, especially related to communities in Stockton, and his background as an ordained Methodist minister,” said Associate Professor Emerita Marilyn Draheim. “He was a loving husband and father. He also was a caring faculty member and advisor to students.”

Blaney grew up in southern California and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UCLA. He continued his education at the Boston University School of Theology, earning a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology in social ethics. He was a Methodist pastor prior to joining Pacific.

Blaney and his wife of 63 years, Laurel, moved to Aptos in the early 2000s. He is survived by his wife; daughters Martha and Joy; and grandchildren David, Elizabeth and Isabella.

Gifts in his memory can be made by contacting Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20 at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.