1980-89

Joseph Silva ’83, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, who enjoyed a 25-year career in the computer field, died on Dec. 29, 2015, after a lengthy illness. A skilled musician, he helped found the Brandeis Jazz Ensemble, belonged to several bands and enjoyed writing music. He leaves his wife, Susan, and twin sons David and Stephen. He was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine. Amaury Díaz ’84, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, an accountant, died of cancer on Feb. 12, 2015. He earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1986, and worked in Puerto Rico as a certified public accountant and at the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico. Although Amaury had planned to join Stephen Tsang, Herb Wong and Luis Corteguera for their 30th Brandeis Reunion in 2014, their schedules did not allow it. After learning of Amaury’s illness, Stephen, Herb and Luis traveled to Puerto Rico to see their friend. Amaury leaves two brothers, Micabil and David. Charles Hallac ’86, who conceived BlackRock’s investment-management platform and founded its advisory business, died on Sept. 9, 2015, after battling cancer for nearly four years. He spent 27 years at the New York-based firm, the world’s largest money manager, rising to co-president. During his time at BlackRock, he founded the firm’s solutions business, which provides the Aladdin investment operating system and other advisory services to financial institutions. A native of Tel Aviv, he was raised in the Philippines. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, and three children, David, Rebecca and AJ. His brother Daniel ’95 also graduated from Brandeis. Martha Jane McGaughey, Heller PhD’88, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Oct. 10, 2015. She leaves her husband, Peter, and siblings Cotton, Dean and Nancy.