Dr. Yakov M. Zilberberg

Dr. Yakov M. Zilberberg
UMass Lowell professor,
Loving husband, father, and grandfather

CHELMSFORD -- Dr. Yakov M. Zilberberg, of Chelmsford, entered into rest, Sat., July 24, 2010, in Lowell, after a prolonged illness.

He was the beloved husband of Faina N. (Weiner) Zilberberg.

Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Oct. 3, 1934, the son of two physicians, after spending his childhood experiencing first-hand the ravages of World War II, he surprised his family by choosing engineering as his profession. He earned his degree from the Odessa Institute of Refrigeration, and worked for many years as a mechanical engineer.

In 1976, he emigrated with his family from Odessa. In the U.S. he finally was able to realize his life-long dream of teaching. Upon obtaining his PHD from the University of New Hampshire at the age of 47, he spent 20 years as a professor in the Department of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

After retiring in 2000, Yakov discovered and exercised his talent for writing, leaving a legacy of multiple plays, novels and poetry. Until his final days he was deeply moved by opera, the arts and the love of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Faina; his daughter, Marya, his daughter-in-law, Melanie; and his beloved grandchildren, Noah and Sophie.

ZILBERBERG -- Of Chelmsford, Dr. Yakov M. Zilberberg. Friends and relatives are invited to Yakov's Funeral Service on Tues. at 1:00 PM at the MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME, 122 Princeton Blvd. at Chester and Harvard Sts. Interment will be private. Please omit flowers. Donations in Yakov's memory to the MSPCA, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.

Funeral Directors, Frederick W. Healy and Walter F. Bayliss Jr. www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com