ANN ARBOR—George C. Summerfield, professor emeritus of nuclear engineering and macromolecular science and engineering died Feb. 6 at the University Hospital here. He was 58 years old.

A member of the U-M faculty for three decades, Summerfield helped the Department of Nuclear Engineering earn its reputation as one of the best in the United States. After receiving his B.S. (1958) and Ph.D. (1962) degrees in physics from Michigan State University, Summerfield came to the U-M in 1962 as a postdoctoral scholar in nuclear engineering. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor of nuclear engineering in 1963 and was promoted to professor in 1970. Prior to his 1992 retirement, Summerfield was a member of the U- M’s Macromolecular Science and Engineering Center.

“George Summerfield was a warm friend and valued colleague,” said William R. Martin, associate dean of the College of Engineering and professor of nuclear engineering. ” As undergraduate program adviser, he counselled hundreds of students with care and thoughtfulness. As a faculty member, he will be remembered for his formidable intelligence and rapier wit. We will all remember George as a true friend who was always ready to have a cup of coffee and discuss the day’s events. We will and do miss him.”

A nationally recognized expert on neutron transport theory, Summerfield published over 50 scholarly articles, including a well-known paper that proved the completeness of the half-range solutions to the linear Boltzmann equation.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne of Ann Arbor; five children, George C. (Cindy) Summerfield, Carol Summerfield, Linda grandchildren; one sister; two nieces and two nephews.

Memorial services have already taken place. Contributions may be made to the National Diabetes or the Juvenile Diabetes Associations.