George S. Greenstein

1940 - 2025

George S. Greenstein

Pelham, MA - George S. Greenstein, 84, of Pelham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on February 20, 2025. A distinguished astrophysicist and retired professor of astronomy at Amherst College, he was also a beloved father, grandfather, partner, and friend to many.

Born in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, George was the son of renowned astronomer Jesse Greenstein and Naomi Kitay. Raised in Pasadena, California, he was immersed in an intellectually rich environment from a young age, yet he was never confined to the world of academia alone. A passionate outdoorsman, he found as much wonder in the natural world as he did in the vast mysteries of the cosmos-a passion that would continue throughout his life.

In 1971, George joined the Amherst College faculty as an assistant professor, after earning a bachelor of science degree in physics from Stanford University (1962) and doctorate in physics from Yale (1968), and following stints as a research associate at Yeshiva University and Princeton. He concentrated his research on the physics of the early universe, gravitational radiation, the structure of neutron stars, pulsars, and, most recently, the foundations of quantum mechanics. His career was marked by a deep commitment to research and education, inspiring generations of students with his enthusiasm for astrophysics, and he remained an active voice in the scientific community long after his retirement.

George was also a widely published author, with scientific papers appearing in Scientific American, Air and Space Magazine, Science, The Yale Review, Harvard Magazine, and Physics Today. He authored several books on astronomy, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. His most recent book, Quantum Strangeness (2019), offered a compelling exploration of quantum mechanics.

Yet George was more than a scientist. He was a true renaissance man. When he was not probing the mysteries of the universe, he was trekking through Nepal, skiing in the West, or folk dancing in the Pioneer Valley. Later in life, he developed a passion for photography, and his artistic eye led him to become a member of Soho Photo Gallery in New York City, where he held several exhibits of his work.

Beyond his professional and artistic pursuits, George was a beloved family man who took immense pride in his role as a father and grandfather, relishing every opportunity to share his love of books, science, and puzzles with his grandchildren. Nothing delighted him more than the family gatherings he hosted, particularly the yearly picnics at his pool-where he was often the only one brave enough to swim, refusing to use anything but nature to heat the water, even when nature didn't quite cooperate.

He was also a gifted cook, a skilled bartender, and a lover of music and theater. Whether he was crafting a perfectly balanced cocktail, preparing a meal for loved ones, or enjoying a night at the theater, he consistently approached life with curiosity and joy.

George is survived by his brother, Peter Greenstein; his daughter, Ilana Greenstein, from his marriage to the late Masha Etkin; his stepdaughters, Emily Kunhardt and Louisa Kunhardt, from his marriage to the late Barbara Greenstein; his longtime partner, Estela Kersenbaum-Olevsky; Estela's daughter and son-in-law, Didi and Jon Gluck; grandchildren, Izel, Jesse, Kristen, Lydia, and Peter; and three great-grandchildren.