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Edward N. Trachtenberg

1927 - 2013

BORN

1927

DIED

2013

About

Clark University Columbia University New York University University of Colorado

Edward Trachtenberg Obituary

Edward N. Trachtenberg, 85
WORCESTER/AUSTIN, TX - Professor Edward N. Trachtenberg died at age 85 on Monday, Sept. 23, 2013 in Austin, Texas, after a brief illness. Edward was born in New York City. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton HS, New York University, and received his Ph.D from Harvard. During his post doctorate study at University of Colorado, he met his beloved wife. He began his teaching career at Columbia University before joining the faculty of Clark University in 1958. His distinguished career included his tenure as a professor of chemistry and his many years of service as Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental advisor, Admissions Committee member, Phi Beta Kappa, and his success as head coach of the men's tennis team. He served the community as a member of CPPAX and the ACLU, and as Ward 9 Chair. He served our country as a corporal in the U.S. Army Air Corps. n avid reader throughout his life, he showed his commitment to the Worcester Public Library as a board member and fundraiser.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Victoria (Vicki) and his twin sister, Anita Boardman. He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Bobbie) Saar; his sisters-in-law, Mary and Caroll; his children, El Guilbert, Judy Carpenter (and her husband Jeff) and Richard Trachtenberg (and his wife Pamela); and his grandchildren, Hannah, Stephen, and Sarah Guilbert, John and Katie Carpenter and Michaelian Trachtenberg; and many dear nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and thousands of students who benefited from his mentorship and dedication to their future successes. We will post details of the memorial service to be held in November in Worcester. We appreciate any donations in his memory which can be made to the Victoria Trachtenberg Children's Reading Fund at the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Sq., Worcester, MA 01608 or the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880. We would like to hear from all of you on a page dedicated to Edward Trachtenberg at:
http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/EdwardTrachtenberg/Homepage.aspx

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

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Sep. 24 to Sep. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Trachtenberg

88 Entries

Judith Carpenter

December 8, 2013

This is what I said at the memorial service, for the most part. Remembering and missing Dad today on his birthday. Judy
Dad always had big dreams. But his ambitions were mostly for his students and his family who he always put first. He chose to teach basic chemistry courses for his entire career as his desire was to inspire enthusiasm for chemistry and from there to launch students into careers as scientists and doctors. He taught tennis basics with the same enthusiasm and accomplished high school players became mature, intelligent college players under his tutelage. He was an extraordinary premed advisor, because he recognized and valued individuals and their potential and knew how to present them to admissions advisors in the best light, because that is how he viewed them. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
He was so proud of all of us, of our character as well as our accomplishments, and spent most of his time enabling and enjoying our successes. His stories were about you, and about me. His dreams were for you, and for me. In his last months, when his dreams sometimes merged with reality, they were still for those he loved, just sometimes bigger than the present reality. I heard that I was up for a Nobel Prize for my medical invention. That was just one of his dreams. But a number of our actual successes were just as impressive and we owe our achievement of many of them to him.
Dad really spent time getting to know people. He enjoyed how different they all were, from each other and from him. He didn´t value one set of talents or career goals over another. He connected with so many people this way. He was friends with doctor, politicians, educators, the whole crowd at KPs, the diner he frequented for breakfast and the people who lived in Longhorn Village in Austin, Texas, where he most recently lived. He introduced people to each other and to us, always making connections. He continued his role as pre-med advisor, encouraging a young nurse´s aide, Michael, in his aspirations to go to medical school. Although he was tone deaf, he encouraged my children in their opera singing, subtly or maybe not so subtly turning down his hearing aids during their performances, but applauding loudly and telling others of their talents.
Dad always kept in touch with the people in his life. He traveled a lot and wherever he went, he met these people for lunch, or stayed with them, and caught up with their lives. I know many of you here very well, even though we have spent only minutes together or possibly never met before because my Dad spoke of you so often.
I have been blessed with a very good memory. There´s only one thing I can never remember and that´s the punch line to any joke. This has served me well in my life. Although I am very bad at telling jokes, I am a great enjoyer of them, even if I have heard them before. However, I didn´t need to count on that with my Dad. No matter how many times he told a joke, I laughed. Most of them were good jokes, but more importantly, my Dad was the best joke-teller I have ever met. He told his jokes with accents ranging from Yiddish to Irish. As he neared the punch line, his eyes would sparkle, an impish grin would appear and nobody could resist a heartfelt laugh. When John and Katie and I visited him in August, he was in rare form. He rolled his eyes upward before each joke and thought aloud, "I think this one´s clean enough." During that visit, I captured one of his favorites on my iphone, and thanks to my nephew Stephen´s technical ability, you can watch it on the media page of the memorial website we made. I have watched it several times...and it still makes me laugh.
My favorite small world story happened in the Philippines during one of my summer breaks during college. I was in a remote village reached by a ten hour bus ride from Manila followed by a two hour jeep ride during which the driver exited the cab twice to measure whether his tires would fit on the road wiped out by a mudslide during a recent typhoon, then a one hour hike up a mountain and down the rice terraces on the other side assisted by a guide whose big toes were like thumbs and thus able to grip the difficult terrain. There we stayed for two weeks at a small medical clinic assisting mostly trauma victims whose big toes weren´t quite up to the task. We encountered only one group of visitors during our time there, three German tourists who stopped in for water on the way to a beautiful waterfall an hour´s hike beyond our clinic. I decided to try my German out on them. They said they were from Tubingen and I told them a friend from my college was from there. They didn´t know her. I told them I went to a small college in Massachusetts. One replied that she had attended a college in Massachusetts...Clark University. I told her that my father was a professor there. She told me that she had done her post-doctorate there...in Chemistry...with Professor Trachtenberg. I have kept Trachtenberg as my middle name because it seems that everywhere I go, I meet somebody who knew Dad.
My Dad almost always had a smile on his face, not just in the pictures I have been going through, but in almost every memory I have of him. He enjoyed so many things that all made him smile. He loved dogs and children and he interacted with every one of them that ventured across his path. He loved books and puzzles, poker and cribbage, sports and politics. He loved hash and cheddar omelets and everything sweet, a love which I have inherited. He loved my Mom, who smiled even more than he and he missed her a lot. I suspect that if they are able to see us now they are both smiling.
It would take too long to tell you all the important things I learned from my Dad. I was lucky to be his student in Intro Chem while in high school and to be advised by him as I applied for medical school. But the really important lessons were about character. My first lessons about charity, justice, and love came from my Dad whose devotion to others always came first. He donated his money and his time. He invested in his family, his students and his community. His legacy will last for generations because he passed on not only these lessons, but his example as an enthusiastic teacher. There´s not much that doesn´t remind me of my Dad, and I am so glad you are all here to remember him with me.

David Howell

November 10, 2013

Ed Trachtenberg was my tennis coach and chemistry professor at Clark. During my sophomore year I became depressed and flunked out. Grading was pretty lenient in that era and my poor academic performance was a sign of deeper problems. Ed reached out to me during this difficult period in my life. He took time out of his incredibly busy schedule to mentor me. He exhorted me to approach schoolwork with at least half of the zeal I brought to other endeavors, such as tennis. He spent hours critiquing my applications to law school. I ended up earning both a JD and an MBA. I stayed in touch with Ed through the years. He never stopped giving to other people.

Judith Carpenter

November 6, 2013

There will be a memorial service for our Dad, Edward Trachtenberg, this Saturday, November 9, at 2pm in Tilton Hall at Clark University (on the corner of Maywood and Main with parking right across the street.) Please join us if you can.

Judith Carpenter

October 22, 2013

The memorial service will be on November 9, 2013 at 2pm in Titon Hall at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Please join us in honoring a great man who touched so many lives. A reception with refreshments will follow.

Judith Carpenter

October 1, 2013

***There will be a memorial service for our father, Edward Trachtenberg, at Clark University on Saturday, November 9. The time is tentatively scheduled for 2pm and the location will be confirmed shortly. Please join us and let us know if you would like to speak. ***

Judith Carpenter

September 25, 2013

Please feel free to upload photos to the photo gallery.

Judith Carpenter

September 25, 2013

We welcome all who visit this site honoring our beloved Dad. He was a wonderful storyteller and we all would appreciate it if you would share any stories with us about how he impacted your lives or simply made you smile.

Bernard Lavenda

May 28, 2022

Professor Trachtenberg was by far the best and most devoted teacher I had (1962-1966) at Clark. His lectures were a pure delight to listen to; he always came well prepared with detailed notes and was very thorough. Though he was exacting, he was extremely fair. I took all the course in Organic Chemistry that he offered. I remember going with him to the evening seminars at Harvard, and working in his laboratory primarily on (smelly) selenium compounds. Teachers like him are extremely rare. He offered good advice, but, unfortunately, did not always follow.

Judith Carpenter

May 22, 2022

Coach Ed Trachtenberg, who passed away in 2013, was inducted in to Clark University´s Athletic Hall of Fame on May 18, 2022. A group of his tennis players and students attended the award ceremony. Ira Miler gave a beautiful speech to introduce the candidate and Richard Trachtenberg gave a touching memorial speech while accepting the award for his Dad.
Coach Ed Trachtenberg served as Clark´s men´s tennis coach from 1972-81 and was a professor at the Uni- versity for 39 years. As a coach, he compiled an impressive 129-29 (.812) record and led the Cougars to an ECAC Cham- pionship in 1980. He was also an essential person in helping and designing the six hard tennis courts and was a leader in insisting that qualified women should be allowed to play on the men´s team.
Trachtenberg was also a New England Intercollegiate Tennis Association (NEITA) member from 1972-81, the President of the NEITA from 1979-81, the chairman of the ECAC Division II Tennis Tournament Commission from 1979-80, and an NCAA Division III New England Tournament Commission Chairman and Regional representative in 1981.

Miriam Ewaskio

August 9, 2017

I recently heard from a friend of Ed Trachtenberg's passing.Sadness came first, then a flood of happy memories and the great legacy he leaves. My decision to be a Doctor came after having finished an undergraduate degree in philosophy and then a master's in psychology. I had precious little science background and was not the typical pre-med aspirant. But Dr.T did not discourage me and after I got A in his general chemistry class, he was 100% behind me, and like a bulldog for me, just as others have mentioned he was for them. I had never nor since had anyone so dedicated to helping me reach my professional goals. From working with me on my essay, to calling New york Medical College directly in my behalf, I owe it to him that I was able to become a physician. I still have and cherish the reading pillow he gave me when he, busy as he was, came to my parents home to join us in celebrating my graduation from med school. Everytime I see that pillow I am filled with love and gratitude. It is so wonderful and heart warming to hear how he guided and gave of his time to so many others. He has not died. He lives in our hearts and in those we help as physicians. He is a role model to put the patient first no matter the forces which today increasingly make this harder, just as he always put his students welfare first and went the extra mile for us.

Judith Kroll

August 12, 2014

Ed was a convivial, lively, and kind person.
For 2 1/2 months, beginning in late 2011, I was in the room next to his in the skilled nursing section of Longhorn Village, out on the Steiner Ranch in Austin. I was recovering from an accident, and Ed was fun to be around.
There was a small dining room down the hall, and we had meals and talk there. He spoke often, and lovingly and proudly, of his wife. He also spoke with love and pride of his children and their families. I was happy to meet some of them when they visited him.
Ed told jokes. He was interested in what was going on in the world--one thing we talked about was the Obama administration's announcement that religiously affiliated employers couldn't refuse birth control coverage to their women employees. Ed liked Obama.
I was glad to hear, from his family, more details about Ed's teaching days, and the esteem in which he had been held. When I heard of the affection and gratitude that many of his students felt for him, I wasn't surprised.
Ed was a good soul. I was very sorry to hear that he was gone.

Ronn Beck

December 14, 2013

Our condolences to the extended Trachtenberg family. Ed and my dad (Robert N. Beck) served together on many Clark committees and shared a passion for both the students and the university. I got to know him when I worked on the admissions staff and knew there's be laughter whenever he appeared in the office. He was very special; and the stories from the memorial service held on campus underscored that. With deepest sympathies...

Sarah Guilbert

December 8, 2013

I had the opportunity to share this at my Grandfather's memorial and wanted to say it here, as well.

One of my earliest memories of Grandpa was when I was playing outside at his house in Worcester and I hurt myself. I walked into the kitchen with a cut on my arm and was looking for band-aids. Grandpa rushed over and said "let me look at that. You know..I'm a doctor." Never mind that he had a PhD, not an MD...he still took care of me. He loved being called doctor and everyone at the ranch he lived in last in Texas called him doctor, as well. I could tell he loved it.

Grandpa was a very special person. He had a way of influencing you without saying anything at all. When my brother, sister, and I would visit as young children, Grandma and Grandpa would have a little desk set up for each of us, complete with drawing materials and other fun learning projects. Grandpa never told us how important education is, but all of us (and all of my cousins) have grown up with a yearning to know more, learn more, and never stop asking "why." I think my grandparents had a lot to do with that. Grandpa also never talked to us about the importance of taking care of your health, but he would take us to the Clark gym to work out while he walked on the treadmill. He was one of the oldest people there but he kept at it to keep his health in good condition. He also never told us how important it is to love someone with your whole heart, but he gave us all the perfect picture of loving someone until the day you die. As my brother quoted at the memorial "I don't believe in saints or angels, but if I did, she (Vicki) would be both." Grandpa said that at one of the last visits.

He impacted a lot of people and I am honored that I get to call him my Grandpa.

John Kennison

November 15, 2013

I came to Clark in 1963 so I have known Ed for 50 years. I could talk for a long time about Ed but I'll only mention two quick memories.
One year, Ed and I went to the Phi Beta Kappa meetings in Philadelphia. We took Ed's car to Philadelphia, spent Friday, Saturday and Sunday together at the meeting, then drove back to Worcester. The point of the story is that Ed was great company for all of this time. Of course, I should say that the way Ed drove, it took significantly less time to get to Philadelphia than might be expected.
The second memory goes back to the first day of the fall semester, many years ago. Ed was taking his class for a walk somewhere on the Clark campus. I could see the excitement on Ed's face. I try to be a good teacher but when the fall semester starts, it always takes me a couple of days to warm up to the new round of teaching.
The point of this story is that Ed cared about teaching, he cared about his students, he cared about the pre-med program, he cared about Phi Beta Kappa, he cared about the Tennis team, he cared about Clark, he cared about Worcester, he cared about politics, and he obviously cared deeply about his family. And he cared so much that his many involvements excited him and this excitement was, I believe, the source of his amazing personal energy.

Karen Erickson

November 13, 2013

Ed was the person largely responsible for my joining Clark´s chemistry department in September of 1965. He was my primary mentor during those early years of learning the role and knack of organic chemistry "professoring."

It was clear from my most early interactions with him that he cared deeply about the students and he went to great lengths to instill in them not only a love of learning but also an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

Though uncompromising on expectations and standards, Ed was not a stern taskmaster. He was well known for his wry sense of humor and, on occasion, "playfulness" with the students. When an uptight premed student, who happened to be the brightest student in the organic qualitative analysis class, needed to loosen up a bit, Ed gave him a special unknown to identify - a gooey mess of peanut butter and jelly at the bottom of a test tube. Ed then arranged with Professor Zwickel, the department´s "oddball" professor at the time, to suddenly appear in the lab, and "notice" the student´s intractable unknown. Professor Zwickel carefully examined the unknown, smelled it, tasted it and proceeded to consume the entire sample. The student was aghast but was left with only one choice - return to professor Trachentenberg and request more sample. When asked where his original sample had gone, the student simply said "Profesor Zwickel ate it." After feigning utter disbelief, Professor Trachentenberg let the student in on the prank and provided him with a solvable unknown rather than a refill of the original intractable one. He also left the student with a great story to tell when comparing notes with his medical school classmates.

On another occasion, when both Ed and I were away at a professional meeting, a graduate student was left in charge of the large organic chemistry class. Upon returning, we discovered that the graduate student had not progressed nearly as far in lecture as expected. Consequently, Ed and I arranged to appear together at the next scheduled lecture session and announce to the students that we had to make up for the lost time. This would be done by Professor Trachtenberg lecturing on amino acids and proteins, while I lectured simultaneously on carbohydrates. As Ed drew a line down the middle of the blackboard, to divide it into his side and my side, the students, began to break into teams of two, one to take notes on Ed´s presentation and the other to take notes on mine. And so we began the simultaneous lecturing. It was only after both Ed and I had completely lost our individual trains of thought and broke into laughter that the students realized this was a farce and not something either of us could successfully sustain.

There are doubtless many other anecdotes that could be recalled illustrating Ed´s sense of humor, a gift to be sure, but the substance of the man goes well beyond that delightful trait. His contributions to Clark and its students, both academic and extracurricular, and to the Worcester community as well, represent a rich legacy of which his family can be justifiably proud.

Kevin McElaney

November 11, 2013

I was fortunate enough to make it to Ed's Memorial service on November 9th held at Clark. It was not an easy drive up from Boston. David Howell, who has posted below, and I had made a similar drive together some years ago to attend Vickie's Memorial service in the same room. The circle had now closed with Ed's passing and I felt a great deal of sadness, mostly for Ed's wonderful daughters and son.
But Saturday turned into a true celebration of an incredible person.
My own connection with Ed began, but did not end with the tennis team. The tennis team's accomplishments were beautifully documented by the talks given by Ira Miller and Mike Johnson. What can you say about a Coach with a winning percentage over 80%?
But the real Ed Trachtenberg was best summed up by the many colleagues, friends, students and family who not only spoke on Saturday but who have also posted other comments. When I graduated from my Jesuit high school in 1975 I was reminded at Commencement that above all we were to be "persons for others" throughout life. I cannot think of a person who executed that doctrine better than Ed.
It was a much easier drive home to Boston.

Mark Pearlmutter

November 10, 2013

Trach was one one of the most influential mentors of my life. He was honest and exacting in his standards and was the first professor that not only told me I couldn't write but personally invested his time and energy to ensure that I didn't graduate until I could. As I recall the day, he read my typewriter written medical school essay and stated "this is crap" and ripped it up in front of me. He then called his professor colleagues in English, Political Science and History and before I could respond signed me up for three 'non gut' writing based courses for first semester of my senior year. As I look back, this "advice" in many ways transformed my education and ultimately provided me with the tools to make me a more confident articulate and more effective communicator. I am who I am today largely in part due to Dr Trachtenberg.

David Lind

November 2, 2013

Dr. Trachtenberg set a superior example as a professor and caring person. I graduated from Clark University fifty years ago but I still have fond memories of my academic and personal interactions with him.

Ariel Lipner

November 3, 2013

I can't recall exactly when I first met Doc Trach. There were too many important things going on. Like finding the best cut-through to 28 South Lenox. Or deciding which style face mask was cooler -- the Cedric Hardman style or the John Hicks style. Being a grown up, the Doctor was part of the
adult wall paper of 1973. The wall paper had patterns on it. They were -- pate, glasses, teeth, slippers. That was Richard's dad. Unfortunately, I can't recall exactly when Doc Trach became a real person either. But I do remember it had something to do with a joke. He leaned over to tell me
something hilarious in the kitchen while Richard was upstairs looking for either football cards, or a rock and roll album.

The Doctor finished the punch line expecting a big response. Did I get the joke? Of course not. "Doctor Trachtenberg," I leaned over "That wasn't funny at all." His grin got bigger. The Doctor made a sound like the sound the water makes in a dentist's office as it goes down the little sink in front of your paper bib. "You're from Queens," he observed. It was true. Not the Bronx. We both laughed. That broke the ice. Doc Trach went on to teach me several things I would never have known otherwise. For example, the fact that CPPax is not a professional wrestler; and what science orgo was a nickname for; and canvass -- the verb. Doc Trach was at his most dangerous when he asked "Do you play scrabble?" I never took the bait. Watching Vickie put together the 5000 piece jigsaw puzzles of a nimbus cloud gave me all the information I needed to answer that one. Sorry Vickie and Doc but I have to warn everyone. Don't play scrabble with really smart people. Or cribbage. Unless you enjoy pain. Just don't do it. I made it through the 70's that way, although the decade was a difficult one for the Trachtenberg household. The Giants were the lousiest team in the NFL. If it wasn't for the Yankees, I don't know what the Doctor would have done. Richard and I used to kick around the kitchen, the porch, the yard, the driveway, talking, while the Doctor nodded off in his LaZBoy in the back porch. Orgo papers were in one hand. The other held the remote tuned to WPIX, Thurman and Catfish. He might jerk up every other inning, observe a slider that wasn't placed right, deliver some observations to us, then drowse back to a world where the Giants were winning, too. When Richard called with the news a few weeks ago, I thought about these things. And that the Doctor must be so relieved to be watching the Yanks again with the iced tea on the tv tray next to the recliner, chatting with Vickie while she did the puzzles and wondering
why this year's chemistry class wasn't the same as last year's. You can only stay away from your passions for so long before it takes a toll. The Doctor wasn't someone to let that happen, as far as I knew.

Christopher Bice

November 2, 2013

I was jolted when I read of Dr. Trachtenberg's passing. I entered Clark in 1962 with hopes of going to medical school. I started with a biology major but soon found chemistry to be more of my liking. Ed became my faculty advisor. We played tennis numerous times. I played on the tennis team in the spring of 1963 but Ed wasn't the coach yet. Because of so many afternoon labs as a chemistry major my only exposure to tennis during my Clark years was with Ed, He as a skillful advisor and I'm sure his influence greatly helped my acceptance at Tufts Medical. I remember a Christmas party at Ed's house for chemistry majors.(Yes back then we didn't have "holiday" parties). Somehow some 100% ethanol from the lab found it's way into the punchbowl.
I wish I had stayed in touch with Ed. I moved to the west coast after Tufts.
When I think of Clark I immediately think of Dr. Trachtenberg.

david murachver

November 1, 2013

dr. trachtenberg was a very influential figure in my life as a clarkie. he was both my tennis coach and a friend. we shared many good times together. he will be sorely missed by all. sincere condolences to the family.

Larry Diller

October 31, 2013

Ed Trachtenberg was one of the most important people in my life. Not only was he my organic chemistry teacher at Clark and the coach of the tennis team for two years he also encourage Jay Lefkowitch and me to apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University for medical. No Clarkie has been accepted in two or three decades but he felt Jay and I might get in. Both of us did. Jay has gone on to be one of Columbia's most celebrated medical faculty and I did okay writing a couple of books and advocating in the field of children mental health and medication. I believe neither Jay nor I would have applied to P&S without the support and encouragement of Dr. Trachtenberg. I will never forget him.

Edward Trachtenberg

October 22, 2013

I, too, have fond memories of childhood visits with Ed and Vicki. My mom and dad (Blanche and Benjamin Trachtenberg) would drive out to Worcester for an afternoon's visit. It was he who introduced me to the wonderful world of great punning (much to my delight and much to the horror of my friends).

John Wilson

October 19, 2013

I have very fond memories of both Ed and his wife Vicki. They were very close friends with my parents, my father Jack, and my mother, the late Clarice Wilson. I remember visiting Ed and Vicki in Wooster MA when I was a child, and playing with their 3 children. And even as a young boy, I appreciated and enjoyed Ed's sense of humor. As I grew older, I grew to appreciate and enjoy it even more. And it was Ed who first introduced me to Cream soda! :) My condolences to all of Ed's family and friends.

Jack Wilson

October 17, 2013

What I remember most about Ed was his sense of humor. It was razor sharp but in the end always compassionate towards his fellow man. He had a wonderful sense of the irony of political life [and life in general] and where it might lead.May all who knew maintain the same.

Jen Blume

October 9, 2013

I had the honor of meeting Uncle Ed,for the first time when he came to Superior, WI. with Aunt Vicki.
It rare when you meet someone that is of a genuine heart and soul. That was Uncle Ed. He was honest, kind and full of love...you could see it when ever he looked at Aunt Vicki.
I am grateful for the little time I had with him and his family.
You will surely be missed.

Jim Blume

October 8, 2013

I will always remember my Uncle Ed with extreme fondness. I first met him when I was about 10 years old snd he married my Aunt Vikki. I never remember seeing him without a smile on his face and even as a young boy, I looked forward to his visits. He always seemed to me as a person who was excited and happy for the successes of others and although we seldom had opportunities to get together, when we did, he always seemed genuinely interested in the things life brought to others, seldom talking about himself during our times together. A rare man indeed and I am certain his passing will be a tremendous loss for all who ever had the fortune to have been touched by him. I know that he and Vikki together will live a joyous eternity in God's loving hand. Bless his family and know this, I loved your father, and always had the utmost respect for both he and your Mother. You are his legacy, and from what I know of you all, I would bet he is smiling down on you all.

Penny Johnson

October 4, 2013

Ed Trachtenberg was always the educator - generous with his knowledge and wisdom. He was devoted to his family, his students and his causes. And who can forget that sense of humor! I will miss his friendship and all he did for the Worcester Public Library.

Andrea Herzer

October 1, 2013

I would like to send my condolences to the family of Ed Trachtenberg. Reading about his life, hearing how he helped others and seeing the obvious delight he took in his family all paint a portrait of a wonderful man. I am blessed to be friends with his daughter El, but did not have the privilege of knowing her father. I wish I had; he was obviously remarkable and will be sorely missed by his loved ones. My prayers are with you all.

Harvey Gould

September 28, 2013

My wife and I will remember Ed for his dedication to the students at Clark, his love for his wife Vicki and his family, his passion for social and economic justice, and his great sense of humor.

Hal Solomon

September 29, 2013

I will always remember Dr. Trachtenberg's help in preparing my applications to dental school. I specifically recall a 40 page application to one of the California schools that Ed guided me through. After submitting what I thought was a crazy or unconventional essay, we found out I was accepted. I couldn't believe it as the school excepted few if any out of state applicants in the past. My condolences to his entire family from myself and all of my predental/premedical classmates from the Class of 1983.

Rebecca Russo

September 29, 2013

As a Clark student in the late 70s, I had many friends who took Ed's courses. (I was a psych major, so I didn't have to suffer through organic chemistry!) Ten years later, I had the fortune to meet Ed as a colleague--I'm the director of admissions at Tufts University Veterinary School--and had many opportunities to chat with him about his pre-vet students. His was very proud of them and advocated for each and every one. He enjoyed keeping me up to date on Clark news and I looked forward to seeing him at the NAAHP annual meetings. Ed lived life to the fullest. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.

Edward "Ed" Gold

September 30, 2013

It takes a rare breed of man to evoke the comments I just finished reading. I met Professor Trachtenberg no more than three or four times during the course of my two sons (Richard Gold, '81, and David Gold, '83) tenure at Clark. Ed and I shared the same first name, the same year of birth, and the same PKK key. But much more than that, he was a mentor and father figure to my son Richard during Rich's college years. Rich had a full tennis scholarship offer from a local university, but after his interview with Ed and a position on the tennis team of which Ed was the coach, the decision was made. So Rich spent four years on the tennis team and grew very close to Ed, which made my wife and me very happy. Ed motivated Rich to go on and become a successful physician, so you, his family, can understand why I am so sad that he has passed on, but so glad that he lived. The significant and favorable impact that Ed had on my son's life and countless other lives is the greatest tribute I think a man can have.

Ed Gold

Ira Miller

September 30, 2013

I had the honor of being coached by Ed for four years as a member of Clark's men's tennis team.

He was a very smart man with great enthusiasm for everything he did. He was equally at home on the tennis court as he was in the lab. During his nine year tenure as the men's tennis coach he had over an 800 winning percentage and coached some of the best teams and players in the history of Clark Athletics. He also had a great influence over all of the student-athletes who crossed his path. Almost everyone I played with went on to be a doctor or a dentist, with a few lawyers sprinkled in. I went on to coach college tennis for over twenty years. I learned from him always to put the team first. As busy as he was with a full teaching load, writing, and advising, he went out of his way to take us everywhere to find competitive matches, from Pennsylvania to Maine. In the off season, when he could've taken a break, he instituted indoor winter training at a nearby racquet club. And he never missed a practice. He is largely responsible for the great success we had and I feel honored
to have continued in his footsteps with the same "team first" approach. He will surely be missed by many.

Ed was someone whose personality was so Clark: personal, bright, eccentric, unique.

Michelle Hutchinson

September 28, 2013

Dr. Trachtenberg was my organic chemistry professor and pre-medical/pre-dental sdvisor at Clark University. He was an excellent teacher, mentor, and friend. I will miss him dearly.

John Habib

September 28, 2013

I grew up in Main South Worcester near Clark University. I failed my entire 4 years in a Worcester High School and one day I realized my dreams and showed up on the doorstep of 3 Downing Street. All D's and F's in highschool, a Clark rejection letter in my hand, I was working at the Jewish Old Age Home in Worcester and I begged Dr. Gary Poor to give me a chance and that I was alone and on my own and needed an education. He gave me that chance as scared and overwhelmed as I was Clark gave me that chance. I never spoke with Ed for those four years I struggled to support myself and pass the rigors of Clark academics and at the end of my 4th year I mustered up the courage to go see him. Ed saw what I had done over those years and I had never met a kinder person in all my life. That man stood behind me and hand carried my application and autobiography to UMass Medical School and it was him who made my dreams come true. He only saw good in people and he worked tirelessly for his students and his ideals as a great human being. God bless you Ed and may your family find peace at your passing and may you and Vicki stay always in our hearts. Love you so much Ed.

Dianne Rocheleau

September 26, 2013

I knew Ed from my brief tenure on the pre-med committee as a social science faculty member. He made me feel welcome, showed me the ropes of faculty service at Clark and treated me as a peer and a colleague. His sense of humor was exceeded only by his sense of dedication. I still remember how he enthusiastically advised and advocated for a young woman student who had undiagnosed learning disbabilities, mainly with reading. She was struggling mightily in the humanities and social sciences when she discovered that she loved and excelled at math and science. He encouraged her to pursue the pre med/dental program and mentored her. As a committee member I wrote one of the letters for her dental school application. He explained to me her trajectory, which allowed me to make a strong case for her application. Later he proudly announced her acceptance to dental school. For many years later we would simply nod across the campus at each other or occasionally stop for a brief exchange of news. My condolences to the entire family. The Clark communitiy misses him too.

dave

September 27, 2013

Ed was a wiaw and generous friend for many years. He guided my adjustment to worcester politics and the local peace movement when i arrived at Holy Cross in 1969. He invited me to lunch at clark, where he introduced me to many of his colleagues. I joined the Clark poker group and played with them almost weekly for over 20 years. He was a smart and dedicated citizen, a model academic professional, and a truloy nice goy. His family and friends will be grateful for his life and will cherish many good memories. Thanks.

Michael Morris

September 26, 2013

Dr. Trachtenberg was and is an inspiration to me in more ways than I can say. He pushed me to get back in to school and consistently had riddles and various problems to challenge my thinking. His crude sense of humor and outlook on life led me to favor him almost immediately. He took an interest in my life and asked me about my wife and unborn son. I ran all my baby name choices by him. I hope I do not sound selfish in saying this- but the liking he took to me; the way he knew that as long as I was there he would be taken care of- was indescribably wonderful because of how much I admired him. I am grateful that I was able to tell him that I was fascinated by his brilliance and accomplishments, and that it was an honor to have gotten to meet him in my life (although he modestly told me I was still young and would meet many more people). My only regret is that I did not get to tell him that I loved him- though my experience with him tells me that he knew it all along.

Tim Lyerla

September 26, 2013

I worked with Ed for many years on the Pre-Med committee at Clark, and even chaired it for awhile after he retired. He was a good mentor, but the best part, of course, were some of his jokes and his good sense of humor. Of the stories he told about himself, his sister once said that they must be true, because they were always the same no matter how many times he told them. I will remember him as an extremely active guy even in his advancing years, with a strong personality and fine mind. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Barbara (Hahn) Roberts

September 26, 2013

Back in the early 1960's I was an NSF chemistry fellow and worked with the Chemistry professors a lot. I remember Professor Tractenberg well and have fond memories of taking his organic Chemistry class - that was a tough one for me...being more analytical. He told me I must not be studying very much - I studied hours for his tests. Yesterday a number of us local Clarkies were speaking of him - he was a wonderful addition to our liberal arts education.

John Carpenter

September 25, 2013

My beloved Grandpa was generous enough to pay for all of my piano lessons up through high school. He always made an effort to come to my concerts (even if he did turn his hearing aid off!) One of his favorite stories about my piano playing came from when I was learning a Chopin Ballade and my teacher said "John, you have to have made love to play this piece." He always cracked up at the prospect of a 12yr old being told to make love!

Sarah Guilbert

September 25, 2013

Even after his passing, he is giving me something to laugh about. My friends keep asking me how old he was and I cannot tell them because I never remember. Every time someone asked him how old he was, he would always answer "99." He told us that he said 99 so that people would tell him he looks great for his age. He was always making a joke and finding ways to make others smile.

Susan Gately

September 25, 2013

Ed a Worcester City Icon; on the tennis court, in the classroom, at civic meetings, and at the Worcester Public Library. Mostly, I "knew" him from afar..... UNTIL I became part of the library board where Ed was a colleague. Board meetings became a lesson for me in Robert's Rules of Order through Ed's deep knowledge and steadfast effort to preserve dignity and the democratic way at the Library. Ever grateful for these lessons, Ed is missed. Best to the Trachtenberg family.

Grandpa and Katie - Love those smiles

December 8, 2013

Grandpa teaching John to be a carpenter

December 8, 2013

October 25, 2013

jPlaying Cribbage

October 25, 2013

Mom and Dad

September 26, 2013

September 25, 2013

Dad's parents

September 25, 2013

Twin sister Anita, Bobbie, and Dad

September 25, 2013

Rich and Pam's wedding

September 25, 2013

Mom and Dad

September 25, 2013

Grandpa at 80 with grandchildren in OCNJ

September 25, 2013

John and Katie visit 8/2013

September 25, 2013

Hannah, Stephen, and Sarah with GP

September 25, 2013

Hash and cheddar omelet anyone? - (8/2013)

September 25, 2013

November 7, 2013

Always Smiling =)

September 25, 2013

October 22, 2013

Dr. Trachtenberg was my professor of organic chemistry, between 1960 and 1961. I have the fondest recollections of his wonderfully well-organized lectures and his fairness. He was most excited when, by chance, one of my reactions in the lab produced a large crystal. This was purely by chance, but he held this result in high regard. He will be in my thoughts forever and may his memory be for a blessing. Most sincerely,

David M. Bass, M.D.
Glastonbury, CT

Michelle Hutchinson

September 28, 2013

Dr. Trachtenberg was my organic chemistry professor and pre-medical/pre-dental sdvisor at Clark University. He was an excellent teacher, mentor, and friend. I will miss him dearly.

Michael Pasmowitz

September 27, 2013

Clark graduating class of 1983. Dr Trachtenberg helped get 100% of the premed predent students into school. Quite the accomplishment. Took organic chem 1981. Not only an excellent teacher but always there for his students. RIP

Gordon Pond

September 27, 2013

Richard, Pam, and Michelian, I read through the guest book and what is most apparent are the positive and varied words friends of Dr. Trachtenberg use to describe his attributes and character. "Charming, inspiring, highly regarded, brilliant, fascinating, justice and equality, and fair." I believe everyone's most important legacy are the values they instill in their children. Let me add the word "Sucessful". I know he was sucessful,because I know the great job Richard and Pamela are doing raising Michelian with these same values of character. My heartfelt condolences to all the Tractenberg family.

September 26, 2013

My deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family of Mr. Edward N. Trachtenburg. He was a charming man, which I had the pleasure of meeting. Stay strong family as he would want you all to be. Love you all, those I know and those I do not know... May the memories of Mr. Trachtenburg be a blessing and an encouragement to us all.
Janet M. Daniels and family.

September 26, 2013

Hi I am JoAnne Stubbe and worked for your dad doing cyclopropanation reactions and hydroboration reactions in the summers when I was in college. I grew to love chemistry and your dad played a very important role in my decision to follow my passion: chemistry of biological molecules. He also played an important role in my love of tennis (along with my own father who was Ed's colleague at Clark). Chemistry and Tennis is how I remember the college years.
I remember many years ago when I had been invited to give a seminar at Harvard in Chemisty and your dad was in the audience! I was so surprised and happy. I last saw your dad in 2010 when I received a major award in Chemistry and invited him and my girl scout leader (also from Worcester) to the luncheon. I was so delighted that he came. Having now taught myself for more than 40 years, I understand that your greatest legacy is those you teach. I am grateful to your dad for teaching me organic chemistry and introducing me to my life passion.

You all may or may not remember me, but I was one of your baby sisters way back when.

Sorry to hear about your loss, his inspiration will always be present in those he trained.

Best joanne stubbe

September 25, 2013

My late husband, Sanford Patashnik was a student of Dr. Trachtenberg at Clark University. He graduated in 1962 and went on to work at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology. He spoke highly of Dr. Trachtenberg

Barbara Patashnik

David Coyne

September 25, 2013

I knew Ed both from working at Clark and from his considerable political involvement. He was brilliant and fascinating and had a deep commitment to justice and equality. He will be missed. May you be comforted in your mourning by your memories of him and by the knowledge that he did so much to make the world more fair.

Kenny Troy

September 25, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of a very good man. He would tell me jokes or riddles in the office at Clark Univ. and I first met him and wife who asked me to speak to her class, after she found I taught their gifted son Richard. I am sure he will be missed, but with a fond memory.

September 24, 2013

Judy and family,
Thinking of you and keeping you in prayer during this time of sorrow. May the happy memories of your father and grandfather last forever and may he rest in peace. Ryan, who had the opportunity to have lunch with Ed a few times when he was in Moorestown, was sad to hear this news and personally wanted to express his sympathies.

Love,
Colleen. Craig, Ryan, Allie, Kyle, Tyler and Sarah

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