Julien Gendell

1934 - 2018

Julien Gendell

- - 1934-2018 Julien "Julie" Gendell died peacefully at home, on June 20, 2018 surrounded by those who loved him. He will be missed. Julie was born in New York, NY to Lou and Leah Gendell on December 20, 1934. He attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science graduating at sixteen. Julie graduated from Swarthmore College, PA in 1955 with a degree in Chemistry. In 1960 he received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. After research work at Columbia University, NY, Julie began teaching at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1963. Having become politically active in the anti-war and social justice movements at Swarthmore, Julie continued his peace activities in Ann Arbor. He was one of the organizers of the first teach-in against the war in Viet Nam in 1965 at U of M. He went to help organize the first national teach-in held in Washington, D.C. Because of his political activities surrounding his commitment to social justice and stopping the war Julie was denied tenure at U of M in 1969. Shortly thereafter he accepted a position in the Chemistry Department at Oakland University, Rochester, MI, and retired as an Associate Professor in 2008. He wrote two chemistry textbooks - still in use today. While continuing to teach, Julie obtained a master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI which he put to good use at Macomb Family Services. It was his passion to help others. Julie is survived by his sister Mickey (Norman); his children Susan, Ned (Melanie), Mara (Yaron), Michelle (Mike), Rachel, and Evan; his grandchildren Clarissa (Eric), Einer, Arik, Abby, Ruth, and Nava; his great-grandchildren Eamon and Ezra; and his dear friend Robin. We are all forever grateful to Carolyn Anderson and the whole loving family at Thrive Assisted Living. They not only provided a home for Julie, but for all of us as well. We extend a huge thank you to Residential Hospice Services. A celebration of Julie's life will be held later this summer. Donations may be made to the Rosenberg Fund for Children, Doctors Without Borders, or a peace/social justice organization of your choice.