George Break, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus of economics and scholar of public finance, passed away in Berkeley due to heart failure on March 13. He was 88.

Break received his doctorate from UC Berkeley and began work as an assistant professor on campus in 1951, where he stayed until his retirement in 1990. He served as chairman of the economics department from 1969 to 1973.

During his time on campus, Break became an influential researcher in public finance, former colleagues said.

"He was a major contributor to the field of public economics when it was developing. He's written a number of books that had important roles in helping the field develop to where it is today," said Dan Rubinfeld, a professor of economics and law who worked with Break.

According to Alan Auerbach, an economics and law professor, Break contributed to early scientific research efforts on the effects of income taxation on work incentives. He also authored several books and published papers on intergovernmental relations and different aspects of tax reform in the U.S. and Canada.

Break also aided in shaping UC Berkeley policies by holding positions on various campus advisory committees. In 1990, he was honored with the Berkeley Citation, one of the campus's highest awards, for outstanding campus involvement and excellence within his field.

In addition to his work on campus, Break was president of the National Tax Association in the 1980s, which honored him with its Holland Medal. He was also appointed by former California governor George Deukmejian to the Governor's Tax Reform Advisory Commission.

John M. Letiche, professor emeritus of international economics and a long-time friend of Break, said Break made fundamental contributions to public finance.

"He was an expert on state finance and was able to apply his research for policy information in Sacramento," Letiche said.

Letiche, who knew Break for 60 years, also noted Break's love for golf and his devotion to his wife Helen, who died in 2007.

"When they got married he was a much better golfer than she was, but she left him way behind and later won 12 tournaments," Letiche said. "But he was so delighted that he was always behind her."

Break is survived by his nephews and nieces.

Tags: ECONOMICS