Gregory Comer, Ph.D.: 1962-2026
Gregory Comer, Ph.D., a professor of physics at Saint Louis University, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at age 64.
Born in Bristol, Tennessee, on April 11, 1962, Comer developed an early fascination with how the universe works. He graduated summa cum laude with his undergraduate degree in physics and mathematics from East Tennessee State University and earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He came to Saint Louis University in 1993, joining the Department of Science and Mathematics as an assistant professor on the Parks College campus in Cahokia, Illinois.
“It was clear to all of us ‘Cahokians’ that Greg was passionate about his research on the applications of Einstein’s general relativity theory of gravitation to cosmological and astrophysical problems,” Jean Potvin, Ph.D., professor of physics, said. “Greg was also passionate about teaching, particularly when meeting students one-to-one where he could help them deepen their mastery of topics discussed in the classroom.”
Comer taught courses ranging from introductory physics and mathematics to advanced theoretical concepts, and inspired generations of students with his passion for science and gift for making complex ideas understandable.
“He was a great teacher; students always loved his classes. He was also the advisor to the Society of Physics Students for many years. He cared deeply about students, faculty and the Department of Physics,” David Wisbey, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, said.
Comer helped establish SLU’s undergraduate physics program, which included a research requirement that enabled physics majors to participate in innovative research with faculty mentors.
Potvin said, “He began to mentor physics undergraduates on subjects connected not only to the courses he taught but also to the research he conducted. This is where many SLU students got to learn the latest developments on neutron star astrophysics.”
Comer had a special interest in astrophysics, including particle and nuclear physics. He published extensively on gravitational neutron star physics and related fields.
“Most of these papers had large impacts in this field, culminating in a citation total exceeding 3,000 — a substantial achievement for a specialist working in a research field composed of a small number of practitioners,” Potvin said.
Even as Comer neared the end of his life, he continued working on research and publishing.
“He mentioned back in February that he was still collaborating and working on his next paper,” Irma Kuljanishvili, Ph.D., associate professor of physics, said. “I believe doing research until the end gave him comfort.”
Nils Andersson, Ph.D., professor at Southhampton University in the United Kingdom and a longtime collaborator of Comer, said, “We were in regular contact up until a couple of weeks before the end. In fact, I just completed the last project Greg was involved in. It feels good to have finished this, although it is heartbreaking to think that there will not be a next one.”
Among his accomplishments, Comer was recognized for both research and teaching excellence, including SLU’s Student Government Association Faculty Excellence Award in 2002. He also championed faculty in his work with the American Association of University Professors.
Colleagues remembered his integrity and wit.
“At first, I found Greg to be very private, quiet even, but once I got to know him, I saw a very different side of his character: outspoken when it mattered, when he saw inequity or unfair treatment,” Kuljanishvili said. “That is a remarkable quality that truly represents a member of our community who lived the mission of the University.”
Potvin mentioned Comer’s lighter side.
“Greg was best known for famously dishing out ‘Comer puns,’ often delivered at rates and quantities that only few mortals can achieve,” Potvin said. “Oftentimes such jokes were pure gold when came the time to lighten up the mood during heated debates in the hallway or in committee.”
An accomplished musician, Comer played guitar, banjo and mandolin. He performed with bands of different genres and left behind a substantial collection of original music.
“He was an excellent musician. He used to sit in his office and play the electric guitar,” Wisbey said. “He shared this with me during COVID. During the darkest times, he used music to reassure students and faculty that everything would be okay.”
“His musical talents and performances add another dimension to this remarkable and much-missed colleague,” said Ian H. Redmount, Ph.D., associate professor of physics. “We all remember Greg as a good and convivial friend. Friday night pizza parties, which brought us all together, are fond memories.”
Potvin said, “Greg had to leave SLU three years ago due to ill health. That was way too early for a research and teaching career that was still going strong even after 30 years. He will be sorely missed.”
Comer is survived by his wife, Linda Allen; daughter Sarah; son Samuel and his fiancée, Kimberly Beaudreau; stepchildren Cody Allen and his wife, Julianne, and Brigitte Cowing and her husband, Jefferson; and grandchildren, Max, June, Nell and Quinn.