Longtime philosophy professor and Brock University supporter David Goicoechea has passed away at the age of 78.

Goicoechea began teaching at Brock in 1967 with a focus on the philosophy of love, existentialism and postmodernism. He retired in 2003 but remained active in hosting discussion groups and a yearly conference, as well as writing a series of books.

In 1982, Goicoechea founded the Brock University Philosophy Society, which hosted more than 100 international conferences and raised more than $400,000 in scholarships for philosophy students.

A funeral mass will be celebrated in the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, 67 Church St. in St. Catharines, on Thursday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brock University David Goicoechea and Johanna Tito Scholarship Fund or Niagara Spay Neuter Assistance Program Inc.