MELVIN TECOTZKY

TECOTZKY--Melvin,

deeply loved by his family and friends, passed away Saturday, July 7th, at 94. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Sylvia, he leaves behind his son, Mark (Nina), his daughter, Nan (Sankar), grandchildren, Ethan, Julia, Sam, Henry, Alice and Sandy, sister, Dena, sister-in-law, Dorothy, extaordinary caregivers Rita and Wayne, many nieces and nephews, and a large extended family, all of whom are deeply saddened by his passing. A veteran of World War II, and a recipient of the Bronze Star, Mel earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois through the G.I. Bill, and was committed throughout his life to the study of rare earths, his research in which resulted in many highly significant and life saving advances in diagnostic radiology, and in numerous patents. Intellectually rigorous, sartorially splendid nearly to the end in bow ties, French cuffs, and Lilly Pulitzer trousers, an avid traveler, reader, cinephile and gourmand, he was above all an extraordinarily ethical, scrupulously honest, fiercely loyal, loving and kind man. There is a void in the world where the vibrancy, gentleness, and gracious love of Melvin Tecotzky once were. A service will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 11:30 at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street, New York, NY.