Wilson Riles, 81, a charismatic and imposing educator who in 1970 became the first black elected to statewide office in California when he began a 12-year tenure as state superintendent of public instruction, died Thursday after a recent series of strokes and heart attacks.

He gained national prominence after his stunning defeat of Max Rafferty, a white, right-wing ideologue who had spent much of his eight years in office preaching a return to basics and denouncing progressive approaches to schooling. Mr. Riles created programs that continue to shape California public education, including a master plan for special education that enhanced opportunities for students with disabilities.

Lionel Bart, 68, the lyricist and composer who created "Oliver!" and other musicals, died of cancer yesterday in London. He played a large role in reviving the British musical at a time when American productions dominated London's stages.

Dr. Harold Greenwald, 88, a psychotherapist whose dissertation on the psychology of prostitutes was turned into a best-selling book and Hollywood movie, died Friday in Santa Monica, Calif. Dr. Greenwald wrote "The Call Girl: A Social and Analytic Study" in 1958, which was reissued as "The Elegant Prostitute." It sold more than a million copies, was translated into seven languages and used as the basis for the 1960 film "Girl of the Night."

Pub Date: 4/04/99