Remembering David J. Farber: A Pioneer of the Internet

David J. Farber, a prominent figure in the development of modern computing and networking, passed away on February 7, 2023, at the age of 91 in Tokyo, Japan. Known as the “uncle” and “grandfather” of the internet, Farber's career spanned several decades and included significant roles at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Delaware. His pioneering work in pre-internet computing systems laid the groundwork for the digital age, including the design of the first electronic switching system and the first operational distributed computer system.

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Farber's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in mathematics from Stevens Institute of Technology. He later became a professor at the University of California, Irvine, and focused on internet commercialization at Delaware from 1977 to 1988. His tenure at Penn, starting in 1988, was marked by his leadership in advanced high-speed networking and cyber research.

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Throughout his career, Farber received numerous accolades, including lifetime achievement awards from the Association for Computing Machinery and induction into the Internet Society’s Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also recognized by the Stevens Institute of Technology, which established a “societal impact award” in his honor. His contributions to the field were acknowledged by notable figures, including former President Bill Clinton, who referred to him as a “pioneer of the internet.”

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Farber's influence extended beyond academia; he advised on science and engineering issues during the 1990s and played a role in significant legal cases, including a landmark technology monopoly case against Microsoft. His commitment to free speech on the internet and his extensive publication record further solidified his status as a leading voice in technology.

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Colleagues and students remembered him fondly, describing him as part of the “bedrock of the internet” and a “delightful person.” His innovative spirit and ability to connect with others were highlighted in tributes, emphasizing his role as a mentor to many who would go on to shape the future of technology.

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Born on April 17, 1934, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Farber was passionate about technology from a young age. He built radios and created unique devices during his early years. He married Gloria Gioumousis in 1965, and they had two sons. After his wife’s passing in 2010 and the loss of his son Joe in 2006, Farber continued to engage with the community, establishing the Joseph M. Farber prize at Stevens Institute in memory of his son.

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Farber's legacy is characterized by his contributions to technology and education, as well as his positive outlook on the future of the internet. His advice to future generations emphasized the importance of understanding technology in an increasingly digital world.

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• “ “He’s a founding father of the internet and, as an academician, a founding grandfather, too.” — Howard Shapiro, Inquirer Reporter

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• “Professor Farber did not just witness the future, he helped create it.” — Nariman Farvardin, President of the Stevens Institute of Technology

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• “Learn enough about technology so that you know how to deal with the world where it is a technology-driven world. And it’s going to go faster than you ever imagined.” — David J. Farber

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David J. Farber's contributions to the internet and computing will be remembered as foundational to the digital landscape we navigate today.

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