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Martin Meltz Obituary

Martin L. Meltz Martin L. Meltz, PhD, 74, civic activist, distinguished biophysicist, and humanitarian, died unexpectedly of natural causes on January 11, 2017, at his home in Shell Beach, Calif. Born to Sybil and Kermit Meltz in New York City, he graduated from SUNY Stony Brook, and obtained his masters and PhD from the University of Rochester. Dr. Meltz performed postdoctoral research at the University of California Medical School at San Francisco before moving to San Antonio, Texas, where, in 1971, he joined the staff of the Southwest Foundation for Research and Education. In 1979, he became a professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he taught and performed research until his retirement in 2007. Dr. Meltz was internationally known for his research into the mutational effects of microwaves and chemical substances on human cells. A passionate believer in community service, Martin focused his free time in San Antonio largely on issues of health care and K-12 education. Following the death of his beloved wife Joan Devaney, Martin moved to SLO county where he put his organizational enthusiasm to work for many different groups concerned with youth and seniors, and particularly for the homeless. Most recently he urged that the county declare a shelter crisis. Marty is survived by his daughter, Suzie Phipps, and her husband, Tom Phipps of Virginia; his grandchildren, Max, Ian, Sam, and Lucy; his sister, Gail Rubman, and her family of Oakland; his second family, the DeVaneys of Orange County; and his dear companion of several years, Debra Glahn of Nipomo. Martin, who led a full and worthy life, will be missed by the many people he helped. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, January 28, 2017, at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. Everyone is welcome. The family asks that any donations in his memory be sent to The Jewish Community Center of San Luis Obispo (http://www.jccslo.com/) or the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition (http://5chc.org/) Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jan. 19, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
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Marlene and Eric Kadel

January 13, 2024

We remember Marty and our friendship with thankfulness. We remember the serious talks, the lighthearted talks, his laughter, and his smile. We miss him. All our best wishes to Suzie and Tom.
Marlene and Eric Kadel
January 14, 2024

Dan Casciano

December 20, 2019

Just found out of Marty's passing. We were science colleagues during the '70s and 80s.He was a great scientist and a better human being,. At the time, he collected toilets (models), of all things. He was a kind person who cared deeply about his fellow man.

Derek Johnson

August 22, 2017

Miss you Marty and the passion and support that you gave to your tireless efforts in support of the homeless community

Annette Montoya

March 8, 2017

Just found out about Marty's passing since I was out of the country in January and never heard the news. I am simply dumb founded and shocked. My last memory of Marty was dancing together at the Boogie on the Bluff event in Pismo last fall. We, the Central Coast, have lost an exceptional human being, who had so much light in him, unmatched by his intelligence and passion to help others. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, he will be sorely missed. A

Lilette Bagwin

February 6, 2017

I went to SUNY Stony Brook with Marty back in the 60's. It was such a special time then. We all knew each other in very special ways. We were all Math and Science majors who loved to learn. I will always remember Marty's special laugh and warm ways. I saw him at the last reunion in 2014. He looked great. I was so looking forward to seeing him at the next reunion. I will miss him. I am so sorry for your loss. I know it will leave a big hole in your hearts.

Theresa Scott

January 28, 2017

Marti was such an amazing, inspiring, knowledgeable,and caring person. I could never run out of words to describe the impact he made on all of here in SLO County. You will be dearly missed my good friend. Your dash is complete.
Much love.
Theresa

January 28, 2017

Marty was such a great supporter of Cuesta College - reaching out to our leadership team and offering his expertise. I appreciated that he adopted us and the SLO County community - always to with an eye to making things better.
We'll miss him.
Shannon Hill

Carol Ramirez

January 27, 2017

I met Marty at a SLO Chamber event almost two years ago. I was instantly intrigued by his wealth of knowledge in his chosen profession but more so by his compassion for the homeless and advocacy of many community outreach programs. He also took an interest in helping me become a good business owner and taught me a few things about self-worth. He was always great asking about me and after telling him about my latest business successes, he would say "great! And what about you?" He also took a sincere interest in my well being, as a friend. I was at GMSLO yesterday morning and I felt the immediate loss of a good friend. We usually connected right away at chamber meetings, and I couldn't miss his broad smile and twinkling blue eyes as he excitedly told me about his latest venture and we engaged in a good catch-up conversation. Marty, I miss you tremendously, because you made a huge impact on my life. This little town of SLO and beyond is so much better for all your self-less contributions. My heart goes out to Suzie, Tom and Debra at this sad time but I pray that your sadness may be lightened with knowing that Marty helped so many. SLO has suffered a great loss of a community leader and a wonderful friend.

Nancy Craig

January 26, 2017

Marty was such an amazing person! His energy and compasion and caring helped so many others. I feel incredibly blessed to have known him. He was such a good dancer and I picture him still. And will forever remember his wonderfull smile!

Asher Sheppard

January 26, 2017

Still reeling from the fact that like so many others, I will not again have the pleasure of being in Marty's presence, sharing his warm and engaging directness. The photo Ric Tell posted radiates the Marty I knew -- thanks. Our conversations ranged over his several passions: family, community, human distress, and science, that is, science done excellently, whether in the lab, scientific writing, in communicating to the public, or for standards setting. And, not to forget, I fondly recall a few minutes reminiscing about the Brooklyn of our youth.
My condolences to Marty's family. May you be comforted by his good name that lives on.

Mark Wiley

January 25, 2017

Marty, you will be missed at all the Blues dances. And at Coastal Peaks Roasters on South Higuera.

Robert Cleveland

January 24, 2017

I was very sad to receive the news of Marty's passing. He was a colleague who I first met many years ago, and I always enjoyed chatting with him about many different topics. His valuable contributions in the area of biological responses to electromagnetic fields were many, and his perspective on life and science will be missed. I am also aware of his other passions including working with the homeless community. He was a great guy. My condolences to his family. RIP Marty.

My friend and not only my fav dance partner but many others as well.

Deana Hepner

January 24, 2017

I will look forward to seeing your smiling friendly face in heaven and having another dance! Lots of them! Much love to Debra and the family.

Fred Munroe

January 23, 2017

Marty's passing is not only the loss of a good friend and colleague for many of us, but the loss of a great force for good within humanity.

One of the first thoughts I would have after just about every conversation with Marty was; "If we were all doing as much for those in need as Marty. If I was just doing as much for others as Marty."

We will all miss you, but the community, the world, will remain a better place because you were with us.

Antonio Faraone

January 23, 2017

Sadness got me when I learned about Marty's passing. Although I have not known him for long, I was initially impressed by his principled, objective, transparent and rigorous approach to science, and then even more when I learned about his social initiatives and involvements. He quickly became a role model for me, and I regret that I have not had an opportunity to mention it to him. I feel lucky to have met him even so briefly.

Ric Tell

January 23, 2017

Marty Meltz was a friend and colleague. Marty served as Vice Chair of the IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR). He was an idea man and was instrumental in getting our revised charter for COMAR through the IEEE system. I will miss interaction with him; he leaves a space hard to replace. The picture that I took at one of our many meetings is how I will remember Marty.

Vitas Anderson

January 22, 2017

So sorry to see Marty go, but glad nonetheless he had led his life in the best way possible. Will fondly remember him as generous, thoughtful and good humoured colleague, a true gentleman scientist.

Frances Timmins

January 22, 2017

I am an old friend of Joan's and an acquaintance and appreciator of Marty. Suzie, my best to you and Tom and your children.

Pearl Munak

January 21, 2017

Whenever Marty saw a community need, he stepped in to fil it. He wrote a guide to community services on a card to give to homeless people and got it distributed through agencies. He rewrote the by-laws for Transitional Food and Shelter, Inc. and served as an advisor. He helped Paso Cares and the Five Cities Homeless Coalition. He was involved with the Homeless Services Oversight Committee. We are all so grateful for what he did.

Anita Shower

January 21, 2017

The Exploration Station in Grover Beach, California, will always remember Marty as that special someone who came into the life of our organization with such enthusiasm for children, science, and hands-on programs that encompassed an outlook for wishing upon a star of enchantment and excitement. Thank you.

Robert Love

January 21, 2017

A shining light has gone out and will be sorely missed. Ann and I have known Marty for over 60 years. He was a good friend and a constant inspiration always looking to make this a better world, and putting his time effort and money into doing just that. We will miss you Marty. Rest in Peace.

quirino balzano

January 20, 2017

RIP, Marty. You were great at listening and exchanging new ideas. You will be missed by your many friends.

Michael Murphy

January 20, 2017

Marty was a very good friend and colleague and will be greatly missed. I am both surprised and saddened at his passing. His Holliday greeting to me just a month ago was full of life, enthusiasm, and plans for the future. He went out at the top of his game. Michael R. Murphy, PhD

Linda Styles

January 20, 2017

RIP, Dr. Meltz! I knew Dr. Meltz when we worked at Southwest Foundation and the University of TX Health Science Center. He had a contagious smile and wit that I won't forget. And, he was so proud of Suzie and her academic accomplishments. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Meltz family and friends.

Jay Kirschenbaum

January 20, 2017

A candle in honor of a wonderful friend who will be sorely missed always.

Lourdes Moncivaiz

January 20, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you have peace and comfort during this time.

Marlene Kadel

January 19, 2017

My husband, Eric, and Marty, were physics students at Stony Brook University in the late 50s, early 60s. There was a tight group of senior guys when I entered as a freshman in 1962, all physics majors, and a group of us freshmen became fast friends with those seniors. Our friendship has continued over these many years. We have shared so much with each other, joy and sadness, good times and not so good. Marty has always been a wonderful friend. We will miss him very, very much. Knowing him has enriched our lives. Our deepest sympathy to Suzie and Tom and their children.

Dion

January 19, 2017

We'll see you on the Other Side, Marty! Hope you've got your dancin' shoes! ♡♡♡

Suzy McBride

January 19, 2017

It is so very sad to say good-bye to such a wonderful, thoughtful, brilliant, and fun-loving man. Our hearts go out to Debra, Suzie and family, Gail, and all the folks who loved and worked with Marty to help those less fortunate. We will miss his kindness, easy chuckle, and bounding energy. Heaven has another angel. With love, Suzy & Jim McBride

Sandy Christey

January 19, 2017

Sorry to say goodbye. I am pleased to have known him

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