Saul A. Schepartz

Dr. Saul Schepartz, 94, of Rockville, MD, passed away peacefully at home, on January 22, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1929, in Nutley, NJ to Sadye (Rosenberg) and Harry Schepartz, who predeceased him.

Dr. Schepartz earned his undergraduate degree at Indiana University, and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He went on to have a distinguished 34 year career at the National Cancer Institute, at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in the Division of Cancer treatment. He focused on drug development from the early years of the Institute until his retirement. He served as the Deputy Director of the Division of Cancer Treatment from 1976 to 1984.

Dr. Schepartz was devoted to his wife Marlyn, who he met on a blind date, and they were married nearly 63 years. She was an artist and an outgoing, creative person, and he was a scientist and quite pragmatic, so their temperaments balanced each other out. They loved to travel together, as well as be quiet at home. They were founding members and active through their lives at their synagogue, Congregation Har Shalom. They loved to be with friends and family, and were both dedicated to helping others, liberal causes, their children and grandchildren.

Dr. Schepartz is survived by his children: Helen Schepartz (Michael Nethercott), Fred Schepartz (Sybil Augustine), and Ruth Schepartz Fouda, and his grandchildren, GennaRose Nethercott, Rustin Nethercott (Blaise Cureg), Noah Fouda, and Amira Fouda.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Marlyn (Rubenstein), who died 5 years ago on the same date (Jan 22), infant daughter Esther Dina, and brothers Abner & Bernard Schepartz.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday January 24th at 11 am at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, followed by internment at King David Memorial Gardens at 1 pm. All are welcome to join us for sharing food and stories at 2:30 pm at Ringhouse. Shiva will take place on January 24th and 25th at 6 pm at Ring House in Rockville, and Ma’arive following at 7.

The family would like to thank Saul’s friends, particularly Karen Patrias, Adam & Liz Glazer, and Steve Glazer, who helped him so much in the last years of his life, and brought him so much joy. We’d also like to particularly thank Leilani Quitoriana, his precious caregiver, for her loving kindness and companionship. Particularly after losing his wife 5 years ago, you all made his life rich.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Har Shalom.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.