Jack Steller

Jack S. Steller Jack S. Steller, a physicist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for 28 years, died July 27 at his home in Berkeley. He was 88. Mr. Steller graduated in 1943 from Pomona College with majors in physics, chemistry and math, and married Sally Ellis, a classmate. After brief jobs developing submarine detection equipment at the Naval Research Lab and as an instrumentation designer at JPL, he pursued graduate studies at UC Berkeley and studied neutral mesons at the Berkeley Radiation Lab. In 1952 he joined the Lawrence Livermore Lab, and spent the next 2 decades there in the controlled fusion and nuclear explosives design groups. In the 70's he shifted his focus to studying scenarios for proliferation of nuclear weapons, and possibilities for tracking and controlling them. During these years he was involved with the Boy Scouts, becoming District Commissioner for the Mt. Diablo Council. Mr. Steller retired in 1980, and developed a routine of world travel and study which he maintained until his death. In 1988 he returned to Berkeley, where he studied economics and biochemistry. He was a member of the UC Center for Learning in Retirement, and led science related discussions there for three decades. He was also a member of the Outlook Club, where he spoke on topics prompted by his travels, and his interests in science, politics and nuclear proliferation. He is survived by three sons, and his companion, Ingrid Radkey. A memorial service will take place on Sunday, September 19, 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Berkeley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the San Francisco Bach Choir at www.sfbach.org