Search by Name

Search by Name

Ellis Englesberg Obituary

Ellis Englesberg, professor emeritus of molecular biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, passed away May 14, 2013. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, October 19, 1921, to Anna and Harris Englesberg. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Jules, and his first wife, Beulah Waskow Englesberg.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Gail Embree of Santa Rosa; the Englesberg adult children: Barbara (h. Newell Hendricks) of Cambridge, MA; Paul (w. Lucy Morse) of Ferndale, WA; and Helen of Watsonville, CA.

Ellis had the joy of seeing his four grandchildren grow into adult hood: Anna and Clara Hendricks, and Colin and Amy Englesberg. He is also survived by three great- grandchildren; a nephew, Robert Englesberg, and a niece, Judy Schulman.

Ellis attended Brooklyn College and enlisted in the US Army at the age of 20. He trained soldiers in ballistics during WWII. After military service, he studied at UC Berkeley, earning his PhD in Bacteriology in 1952. He worked in research labs, including the Long Island Biological Association in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, and began his university career at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1965, Ellis and his family moved to Santa Barbara where he was a professor of molecular biology at UC Santa Barbara until his retirement in 1990. Ellis became a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 1986, nominated for his pioneering research in molecular biology and genetics. Recognition for his leading role in the discovery of positive control of gene regulation came after many years of persistence in the face of skepticism of the scientific establishment.

In many ways Ellis was a renaissance man. In addition to his distinguished career as a scientist and professor, he was a lover of books, music, travel, theatre, and art and was a very supportive husband, father, and grandfather.

Ellis created the Guernica Gallery of Graphic Arts, collecting artwork dealing with social and political issues. He was a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights and saw himself as a radical both in science and in politics, believing that "the function of a scientist is to question existing theories and to destroy them."

Gail and Ellis moved from Santa Barbara after the Teahouse Fire in November 13, 2008 that destroyed their home on Alisal Road. They moved to Santa Rosa in 2009. Most of Ellis?s personal possessions were lost in the fire. The Embree-Englesberg family would appreciate your thoughts about his life, photos and memorabilia: send to Gail Embree, 4402 Bally Bunion Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer?s Association for research. The Embree-Englesberg family would like to thank all who took care of Ellis in his final years.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at the Bronfman Family Jewish Center, 524 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, Calif.

Published by Santa Barbara News-Press from Jul. 12 to Jul. 18, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Ellis Englesberg

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Farewell dear friend. Will always remember our shared interests. Here is a tribute that I did in your honor a few years back when we were looking at the feasibility of opening the Guernica Gallery on State Street.

Antonio Velasquez

July 17, 2013

gailembree

July 14, 2013

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Ellis Englesberg's name

Memorial Events
for Ellis Englesberg

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Ellis's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ellis Englesberg's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more