Herbert Jaffa, Professor Emeritus of the Humanities at New York University, author, and veteran, whose World War II experiences as a young GI in Australia inspired him to become a pioneer in the introduction of Australian poetry and literature to the United States, died Dec. 30 at Middlesex Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Edith Jaffa, whom he was married to for 64 years. He was born May 12, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York to Jack and Josephine Jaffa.

He joined the Army three days after Pearl Harbor was bombed, and served in the Signal Core in the Pacific, notably in Townsville, Australia and New Guinea. After his discharge from the Army, he graduated from Brooklyn College and Columbia University, becoming a full professor of English and an Associate Dean of the first degree program for adults at New York University, now called The School of Continuing Education. He and Edith moved to Madison in 1987, where he continued to write for various literary publications. He was active in the Democratic party in Madison, as well.

Herbert was a generous, dignified, intelligent man; a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, who always saw the good in life and remained optimistic even when faced with overwhelming loss.

He is survived by his daughter Lucy Elias of Madison; his grandchildren Julie Elias of Boston Massachusetts, and Ben Elias of Madison. His eldest daughter Jane Jaffa died in 2008.

A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. at The Legend Hill Road Mansion, Legend Hill Rd., Madison, CT.