Gerard E. Hogarty, who was a renowned schizophrenia researcher and a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for more than three decades, didn't see the need to obtain a doctorate.

Under the subtitle of postgraduate education on his curriculum vitae, he cited his "privately acquired knowledge in biostatistics, psychiatric epidemiology and the conduct of clinical psychopharmacology trials" and his "independent study" into the neuropsychology of schizophrenia disorders.

Mr. Hogarty, 70, died last Friday at UPMC Shadyside. He had lung cancer.

People would tell him that he'd have little trouble getting a doctorate considering his extensive experience, but he'd respond that he'd rather be judged by the quality of his work than by the possession of a degree, said Dr. Rohan Ganguli, a longtime friend and colleague of Mr. Hogarty at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

"His influence was phenomenal," Dr. Ganguli said. "I'd read some of his [research] papers and that was probably one of the tipping factors in my decision to come here."

Mr. Hogarty didn't write papers frequently, but word would get around if one was coming and it would be eagerly awaited, the psychiatrist said. Each work was original and important.

"He often said if he could publish things without having to have his name on it, that would be fine with him," said his wife, Susan Hogarty, of Hampton. "He didn't necessarily need a lot of recognition."

Mr. Hogarty was a social worker before he became involved in the 1960s in the first research projects that established that medications were appropriate in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Until then, many people ascribed to what Mr. Hogarty dubbed the "love would be enough" approach, his wife recalled. He would later develop family psychoeducation therapies and then personal therapies for schizophrenia patients.

"He was really very innovative," said Mrs. Hogarty, a psychiatric nurse. "As he would get findings from one study, he would learn where he needed to go forward to better help patients."

In the 1980s, Mr. Hogarty co-wrote a book on family therapy that is still regarded as the standard in the field, Dr. Ganguli said.

Most recently, he had been developing a program to improve the brain function of schizophrenia patients, much like stroke survivors go through rehabilitation. Mr. Hogarty tried to identify problems such as memory and concentration impairments in mentally ill patients and to devise strategies to overcome them.

"A lot of people are now doing research that is based on his initial, very novel approaches and findings," Dr. Ganguli said.

Mr. Hogarty continued to pursue his research interests, although technically he retired at the end of October, his wife said. He enjoyed golf, music and cooking, and he loved visiting oceans.

He was passionate, humane and very committed to patients, Dr. Ganguli said.

"He was a ferocious critic of the mental health system, which he felt did not incorporate or offer the evidence-based practices that his research and others had shown to be helpful," Dr. Ganguli said.

Mr. Hogarty grew up in Boston and attended seminary after high school graduation. When he realized he wanted to pursue a different path, he went to Catholic University in Washington, D.C., to complete a bachelor's degree in 1958 and a master's degree in social work in 1960. After working in Washington and Baltimore, he joined Pitt in 1974.

Mrs. Hogarty, who was his second wife, sometimes called Mr. Hogarty Curious George because of his inquisitive nature. During their walks, he'd frequently stop to look at trees, flowers, new construction or whatever caught his attention.

"He was someone who really liked experiences more than material possessions, so it was always hard to buy him a gift," she said of the man she described as her soulmate. "It always took a lot of thought for me to come up with ideas."

Their 21st wedding anniversary was yesterday.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Maureen McColgan, Jennifer Rutz and Mary Hogarty; a brother, George Hogarty Jr.; a sister, Muriel Stundis; and two grandchildren.

Friends will be received today from 4 to 7 p.m. at John A. Freyvogel Sons, 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire Street, Shadyside. Interment will be private.

Remembrances may be made to the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill, Colonial Place Three, 2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201.