ELI PEARCE Obituary

PEARCE--Eli M., 86, on May 18. A resident of Manhattan and beloved husband of the late Judith Handler Pearce. Son of Samuel Perlmutter and Sarah Reitzen. Brother of Jay Horowitz and the late Marlene Moskowitz. Father of Dr. Debra Pearce McCall (and Scott) and Russell Gane Pearce (and Michele Hirshman). Stepfather of Michael Ruby (and Louisa) and Elizabeth Ruby Lyden (and John). Grandfather of Kyle and Alexander McCall; Seth and Jacob Pearce; Charlotte, Emily and Natalie Ruby; and Karl, Grace and Clara Lyden. Close family friend of Susan Ei. Born in Brooklyn, Eli attended Boys High School, earned a B.S. from Brooklyn College, an M.S. from New York University and a Ph.D. from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now NYU Poly). After working as an industrial chemist at DuPont, J.T. Baker and Allied Chemical, he joined Polytechnic in 1974 as Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He later served as Chemistry Department Head, Dean of Arts and Sciences and Director of the Polymer Research Institute. Elected President of the American Chemical Society in 2002, he led efforts to increase the numbers and influence of women and people of color in the field of chemistry, and to revitalize chemistry education. Funeral at Frank E. Campbell (81st and Madison) at 11:30am, Friday, May 22. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY, 10532. Memorial gathering on Monday, May 25 from 8:15pm until 10pm and Tuesday May 26 from 2pm to 5pm and 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the home of Russell Pearce. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Chemical Society Scholars Program for college students from underrepresented backgrounds, http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/about/makedonation

/scholarsprogram.html.

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Published by New York Times on May 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for ELI PEARCE

6 Entries

Carl Wright

June 9, 2015

I came to NYC as a young and impressionable chemist from KY. I worked with Eli for several years before leaving, and have never run into a kinder, more caring person in my life. The world is a lesser place for his passing.

Ken Wagener

June 6, 2015

One of my best advisors in chemistry and in life. A great gift to the polymer profession.

Sara Czarecki

May 21, 2015

Dear Russell and Debra - Sending all our love and deepest sympathies. I have very fond memories of your Dad - in fact on Tuesday morning I had a meeting in lower Manhattan and found myself wistful and walking towards one of the 9/11 Memorial fountains, on my short walk I passed a man smoking a pipe. I immediately thought of your Dad. He loved his pipe and I have warm memories of his kindness and humor at all of the Gordon conferences in New Hampshire. He always made me smile and was such a good friend to my Dad and Mom. He will be cherished and greatly missed.
All our love and prayers and hugs Sara (Field) Czarecki and Family

Matthew Moskowitz

May 21, 2015

Im so sorry to hear of Eli's passing...I was always very fond of my great uncle Eli as he was close with my beloved grandmother, Marlene, Eli's sister. When my grandmother passed, Eli was a pillar of support and source of fond memories during our grief. I cant help but to think he is with his sister now smiling down on us. All of my love and support during this time of sorrow.

Reesha Leone

May 21, 2015

Dear Russell and Debra and all bereaved family members. I spoke with your father about a month ago by phone following the loss of Maxine. We had a nice talk. He expressed his pride at his 10 grandchildren and the accomplishments of all of you. A lovely and warm-hearted man, he will be deeply missed. Sending you hugs in your time of bereavement. The loss of both parents in such a short time is a huge blow. May HaShem give you strength to endure and may your memories comfort you. Eli is with his beloved Judith now and both are watching over you. My mother also sends her love and condolences. She really appreciated the visit following Dad's passing. Much love, Reesha

Josephine Rodriguez

May 21, 2015

I have known and worked with Dr. Eli Pearce for 25 years. He was one of the nicest Professors. He will be missed. RIP Dr. Pearce. My deepest condolences go out to his family.

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