Sydney Bluestone

1934 - 2021

Sydney Bluestone
December 12, 1934 - October 18, 2021
Fresno, California - Syd passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 18th. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, growing up in the shadow of Ebbets Field as a Dodgers fan. Syd had three great loves in his life: his family, chemistry and the Sierras. Syd met his wife Susan at Brooklyn College, New York and married her before obtaining his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Rutger's University. As Susan says, "It was a wonderful 65 year ride with Syd." Susan and Syd had two sons, Joel and Marshall who are married to Bonnie Lee and Janice. Syd has four grandchildren Zachary, Teal, Evan and Cooper and regularly attended all important events in their lives. Syd is also survived by his brother Larry. Susan and Syd moved to west coast and settled in Fresno in 1963 when Syd accepted a professorship in the Chemistry Department at CSU, Fresno. He taught at Fresno State for the next 38 years. He loved teaching Chemistry and helping students advance their education, enjoyed publishing papers and worked at different Universities during his sabbaticals doing research. Syd's avid passion was hiking in the mountains and especially the Sierras. Susan and Syd hiked across Europe together, hiked the Sierra's together and backpacked together and then incorporated their sons into these treks. Syd was likely born with a Sierra Club membership card and Golden Eagle pass to the National Parks already in his name as he carried both with him wherever he went. His favorite spot was Yosemite National Park where he hiked just about every trail over 5 decades. He volunteered as a Docent, Road Scholar Host, repaired trails at Yosemite and led hiking trips to the Sierras for over 4 decades. His family and friends are grateful for the love, companionship, kindness and the generosity that he willing gave to all of those around him.