Dr. Milton Kerker Obituary (1920 - 2016)

KERKER, DR. MILTON Age 95 died on May 2, 2016 in Thousand Oaks, CA. He was born in Utica, NY on September 25, 1920. Milton is survived by his loving wife, Reva (Stemerman) Kerker; sons & daughter-in-law, Martin (Shelly) Kerker and Joel Kerker; daughters & sons-in-law, Ruth Ann (Larry) Hapner and Susan (David) Langmann; sister, Pauline Gutelle (Kerker); six grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Leah Conley(Josh), Dana Kerker, Molly Kerker, Julie Langmann and Samuel Langmann; two great grandchildren, Elliot and Amelia Conley. He was a United States Army Veteran serving from 1942-1945 and was awarded the Bronze Star. Milton attended Columbia University graduating in June 1949 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. His professional career was at Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY where he was the Chairman Dept. of Chemistry from 1960-1964; Dean of Science from 1964-1966; Dean of Arts and Sciences from 1966-1974; Dean of Science from 1981-1985; Professor Emeritus in 1991; Centennial Professor in 1996 and was the editor of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science from 1965-1992. Milton's numerous honors include: Ford Foundation Fellow, Fellow of Optical Society of America, American Chemical Society Award(Kendall Award ), Doctor of Science (Honors) Lehigh University, Doctor of Science (Honors) Clarkson University and The Milton Kerker Endowed Chair in Colloid Science was created in 2003. He attended and organized numerous conferences nationally and internationally. Milton edited and wrote numerous books including the definitive volume, The Scattering of Light and Other Electromagnetic Radiation in 1969. He married the love of his life, the former Reva Stermerman of Elmira, NY in 1946. Milton will long be remembered by colleagues and friends for his intelligence and intellectual prowess. He made unparalleled contributions in elevating stature of Clarkson's School of Science during his 42 years of service from 1949-1991. After he retired from academia, he authored several literary articles, published in Midstream Magazine. His family will hold him in their hearts as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, as well as a passionate and generous supporter of the State of Israel. THERE WILL BE NO CALLING HOURS. FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD IN CONGREGATION KOL AMI 1008 W.WATER ST. ELMIRA ON SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2016 AT 12:30PM. RABBI OREN STEINITZ, Ph.D. OFFICIATING. INTERMENT TO FOLLOW IN FRANKLIN STREET CEMETERY, ELMIRA. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in Milton's memory to The Jewish Theological Seminary of America 3080 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 or any Jewish charitable organization of one's choice. www.bakerfamilyfuneralhome.com The Jewish Theological Seminary of America3080 Broadway, New York NY 10027