SARASOTA, Fla. – Martin Stuart Wilder, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, at his home.

Martin was born May 20, 1937 in Brooklyn, New York, to Isador and Gussie (Esner) Wilder. He received his bachelors degree from Brooklyn College in 1960 and his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1966. He spent two years as a National Academy of Sciences Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ft. Detrick, Frederick, Maryland, and moved to Amherst, Massachusetts in 1968 where he joined the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts.

Martin had a passion for education and lifelong learning. He taught multiple undergraduate and graduate-level courses, led graduate programs, was an editor and reviewer for various journals and developed new programs to strengthen the Department. He retired in 1993 as Professor Emeritus and relocated to Sarasota shortly thereafter where he enjoyed reading, watching movies, and spending time with his family.

Martin was young at heart, generous and loyal. He delighted in spending time with his grandkids, who brought out the child in him. He always advocated for his children, instilled in them a love for learning, and taught them that they could do anything they set their minds to, a legacy that will live on.

Martin is survived by his wife Anna; son Kenneth (daughter in-law Sandra Hurtado Rúa); daughters Esther Isabelle (son in-law Sam Trivedi) and Elizabeth (son in-law Ian Mould); and his beloved grandchildren Tara, Sarah, Rachel, Nathanael, Abigail and Amelia. He is also survived by his sister Edythe Erdman (brother in-law Robert Erdman); brother Ira Wilder (sister in-law Jo Wilder) and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Isador and Gussie, and his first wife, Teresa McGhee.

Donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Dept., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126.

Messages for Marty's family and friends may be left on Legacy.com.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Oct. 18, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Wilder

7 Entries

Jeana Kibel

December 19, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear about Marty passing away. He was a good friend of my family in Seminole, FL for many years, from 1997 He came to my daughter's Bat Mitzvah in 1998 and my son's graduation in 1999 - he even wrote a letter of reference for my son for college. We send you our deepest sympathy.

Lenny Shultz

October 22, 2017

I joined Marty's lab as a graduate student shortly after his arrival at the UMASS Microbiology Dept. He was a great mentor and a great teacher. Marty's advice about research and dealing with adversity were invaluable. We enjoyed science, fishing and occasional lobsters together. Marty was very kind to me and my wife Kathy and he will be missed.

Gary Kolonovich

October 18, 2017

I met Dr. Wilder as a UMass student in 1969, and remember him to this day. Of my years at UM, I fondly remember only two profs: Dr. Wilder and Dr. Litsky. He always had a smile and always took the time to direct and teach. Thanks to him I continued in to a successful career in medical microbiology, then industrial microbiology. Rest in Peace.

Bob Brick

October 18, 2017

Marty was our dorm father at Moore House at the University of Massachusetts along with Terry. My future wife Janet and I were babysitters for Kenny and Esther. After graduate school we returned to Amherst and Marty and Terry , now living off campus, were kind enough to invite us to dinner many times as we got started with our adult life and careers.Marty was so kind to us and after all these years we still treasure his support and guidance. Our condolences to the whole family.

Bob Brick and Janet Sheppard

Bob & Bonni DiC

October 10, 2017

Dear Kenneth, Ester, Elizabeth and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was always a good friend who was always there to listen and help others.

As you are aware, your father always talked about you kids. He loved to help you all to move on with your lives in such positive ways.

He had such a good sense of humor and made everyone he met feel comfortable. We will always have him in our thoughts and prayers.

Bonni and Bob DiCarlo, Amherst, MA

Sue Marum

October 10, 2017

I remember Uncle Marty fondly. He was always very kind and welcoming whenever I visited. Although I haven't seen him in many years, he will never be forgotten. My sincere condolences to his children (my cousins). his siblings, and his wife and grandchildren. RIP

Helena Donovan

October 9, 2017

I first met Marty about 30 years ago. We kept in touch on and off since he moved to Florida. My son and I visited when Ari was 10 (nearly 15 years ago). Ari says he remembers Marty and the visit. Marty was great with him. Last time we spoke I told him I was almost done with getting a guest room ready - he thought he might come back to Massachusetts and check out the old places. I am so sorry he wasn't able to get here. I feel awful I can't get down there for the funeral; I will try to be with you all in spirit. Marty was a very good friend, we always were able to pick up right where we left off. I just wish I had been able to visit again, or that he had come up north. Besides my condolences, I send you the love I had for him.

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