John Gagliardo, BU professor; at 73

John G. Gagliardo, a Boston University history professor, died Aug. 2 of complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 73. Mr. Gagliardo wrote and translated many books and articles on his specialty, early modern European and German history.

In 1984 he was awarded the Metcalf Cup & Prize for Teaching Excellence, Boston University's highest teaching award, according to his colleague Jay Corrin.

"He was one who was able to make history come alive," Corrin said. "He had a natural charisma as a teacher. He could keep a classroom at the edge of their seats."

Mr. Gagliardo graduated from the University of Kansas in 1954 and earned a master's degree in 1957. In 1954 he attended the University of Marburg in Germany on a Fulbright scholarship. He earned another master's degree in history from Yale in 1958 and then a doctorate in history in 1962.

Mr. Gagliardo retired in 1998, after his illness made it difficult to speak.

He leaves his sister, Elizabeth Engle of Wheeling, Ill.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in BU's Marsh Chapel.