Robert Tonis, former HUPD chief, dies at 94

Robert Tonis, former chief of the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) has passed away at the age of 94 at Hospice House on Cape Cod.

Following a 27-year career as an FBI agent, Tonis became chief of HUPD in 1962, keeping that position until his retirement in 1975. A longtime freshman adviser and member of the Senior Common Room of Adams House, Tonis held a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and a law degree from Boston University. His lifelong passions included beekeeping, jazz, and opera.

In his honor, a piece for swing band has been commissioned and will be premiered at the Harvard Band Dartmouth concert on Oct. 31. Donations in support of that commission may be directed to the Harvard University Band, 74 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Checks may be made payable to “The Chief’s Fund.”