Morton Barak

1934 - 2025

Morton Barak
March 17, 1934 - January 31, 2025
Morton Barak passed away peacefully at his Petaluma home on January 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old.
Mort was a longtime and beloved pharmacist in Petaluma, an avid gardener with a passion for rare fruit trees, a Korean War veteran, an ardent cat lover, and, most importantly, a cherished husband, father, and grandfather. He had a brilliant mind, quick wit, and endless curiosity. He spent countless hours at the library, took his children to museums, and inspired a love for learning. He loved the natural world: hiking, visiting botanical gardens, and checking on the Petaluma river after a rain.
He was a man of contrasts and harmonies: funny and dignified, unusual and relatable, meticulous and adventurous, quiet and charming, tough and sweet.
Mort was born March 17, 1934 in the Bronx to Sarah and Irving Barak. He grew up in Los Angeles, served in the U.S. Army, and attended USC, earning his Doctor of Pharmacy in 1961 and Master's of Science in radiopharmacy in 1970. He was one of the first nuclear pharmacists in the U.S. He worked for many years as the director of regulatory affairs for Medi-Physics in Emeryville, guiding groundbreaking radiopharmaceuticals to approval and ensuring their safety and compliance. After moving to Petaluma in 1994, he worked as a retail pharmacist, directly serving the people of the adopted hometown he loved. His professionalism and precision earned him the loyalty and affection of his customers.
Mort had myriad achievements but was so much more than their sum. He was handsome and smart and humble about both. He earned the highest score in California on the pharmacy licensing exam, but never mentioned it. Years later, he was picked as a finalist for a national modeling campaign after his secretary secretly submitted his photo to a contest, but declined to show up because he had more important work to do.
After retiring, Mort channeled his talents into creating one of the most beautiful and lovingly tended backyards in Petaluma. Like his garden, he nurtured his family with love and care. He took particular joy in watching his granddaughters grow and flourish. His love anchored us all, and his friendship was a gift we will forever cherish.
Mort is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy Barak; his children, Lori Barak Betchart, Steven Barak, and Tamara Barak Aparton; his granddaughters, Julia Betchart and Lilah Aparton; his siblings, Fred, Ivan, and Florence Barak; his sons-in-law, Dan Betchart and Bruce Aparton; and his cat Monkey. He will be remembered fondly by his many friends, neighbors, and former customers.
The family asks that donations be made to the Petaluma Animal Shelter.