Albert Baer Zisook

1957 - 2023

BORN

1957

DIED

2023

About

Harvard University University of Chicago

Albert Zisook Obituary

Albert Baer Zisook passed away while hiking near his home in Los Angeles, California, the first week of July, 2023. Albert was born on August 31, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Shanshan Tao and 5 children, Miriam Zisook, Aaron Zisook (Amy), Ben Zisook (Sophia), Pearl Zisook and Isabella Zisook. He is also survived by his father, Jerry (late, Nancy) Zisook and sisters, Ruth Hill (Karen), Rochelle Loughry (Bryan) and Helene Speer (Jim). He is also remembered by his friends and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Merle Baer Weston.

Albert was truly a "mathematical genius". He studied Math and Physics, getting his Bachelors at MIT, his Doctorate at University of Chicago and then going on to do Post-Doctoral Fellowships at Harvard University (where he was a member of the Harvard Society of Fellows from 1982-85) and in Paris, publishing 11 papers. After applying his physics to defense, he turned his attention to finance and used his mathematical background for a successful career as Managing Director at Citi.

Albert was also a philanthropist, donating generously to many Jewish charities, Greater Chicago Food depository and serving a term on the Board of his local United Way. He and his family also funded a library in the Himalayan foothills in Nepal and the Tilanga Eye Center in Kathmandu.

Albert loved his wife and children deeply. He died hiking in the mountains, doing something that he loved.

There will be a zoom memorial to honor and remember Albert on Sunday, July 30 at 11:00 pacific time. Email [email protected] for the link.

Donations may be made in his memory to:

Altadena Mountain Rescue Team

780 East Altadena Drive

Altadena, California 91001

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Zisook

12 Entries

Bindu Bambah

November 26, 2025

I knew Albert in grad school and he was a good friend. We had many discussions and shared many dinners together . I lost touch with him and was so sad to hear of his death . I was hoping sometime in the future we would meet but alas that's not to be. I deeply mourn him

George M St George

November 25, 2025

I was remembering our times at ZBT and thought I'd look Al up, when I came across this obituary. Very sad, though it seems he had quite a full life. He was quite the rascal in our college days, but he obviously grew into a successful, loving man. I trust he maintained his sense of humor.

Sincere condolences to his friends and family.

Bindu Bambah

April 20, 2025

I just leaned of my friend alberts death. We were in the same graduating class at U of C. We had fun times trying new recipes and talking physics. Though I had not seen him for 40 years his smiling face remains in my mind

Doris Speer

July 17, 2024

fondly remembering Helene's brother and uncle to my grandchildren. Love to all his family and friends on this memorial day.

Lora Green

August 3, 2023

To the Zisook family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Albert. I have so many fond memories of times spent with him and the family while our children were growing up. I laugh when remembering Albert taking me for a ride in his beloved Porsche, racing through the canyons on Sheridan Road. He scared me half to death, which made him laugh. Such a character.

Madeleine Felix

July 27, 2023

I was deeply saddened to read of Mr.Zisook's recent death which I learned of in the Chicago Tribune. To my former students Miriam, Aaron, and Ben, I send my deepest condolences, and to Mrs. Zisook, Pearl and Isabella I likewise offer my sympathy. May you find comfort in treasured memories, in the support of extended family and friends, and in the knowledge that your husband/father has left an extraordinary legacy, most particularly his children, but also in his work-related achievements and extensive philanthropic work.
Sincerely,
Madeleine Felix
1500 Oak Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201

Rachel McKinzie-Solzman

July 27, 2023

David Solzman & Albert's dad, Jerry, were fraternity brothers back in the days. David's ashes are now atop a mountain in Colorado. His parting words to this world were "happy trails." Please give Jerry hugs from the Solzman family.

Doris Speer

Planted Trees

Jim Butler

July 25, 2023

I got to know Albert during the year or two after NTE. His parents house was just a block or two from mine. I have found memories of that time. I visited him once when he got an apartment in Chicago and he prepared a delicious chicken cacciatore dinner. I'm so sorry that I lost contact with him since then.

Phil Seitz

July 25, 2023

I went to high school with Al (New Trier East). Though he was exceptionally gifted academically, he was humble, unpretentious, and very sociable. He had all the credentials to be a nerd, but instead he was a big-hearted and popular guy who happened to be a mathematical genius. His memory really is a blessing to me, as I'm sure it is for countless others.

Robin Newmark

July 24, 2023

I have fond memories of Al from our time at MIT, a place where the human touch was most appreciated. So nice to know he lived a rich and full life, with both intellectual and personal accomplishments. Condolences to the whole family.

Howard Goldman

July 23, 2023

To Shanshan and the entire family. I was Ruthie´s boyfriend a very long time ago. I have nothing but great memories of Albert. He was smart, funny and very warm and welcoming to me. I cherish his memory and his kindness to me. I am so sorry for your loss.

Howard Goldman

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