Tom Lehrer songs included “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” “The Old Dope Peddler,” “Be Prepared” and “The Vatican Rag,” in which he poked at the rites and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church.

The musical humorist used his Army experience as the basis for several of his songs, and in turn worked in references to his music in his work at the NSA.

Despite being best known for his humorous and satirical songs, Tom Lehrer, who died on 26 July at the age of 97, spent most of his life as an academic mathematician. His songs, hugely popular especially in his native United States, often touched on scientific and mathematical topics, earning him many fans in the research world.