Dr. Martin E. Idelson

Dr. Martin Idelson, age 96, of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on Sept 22, 2024, after a short illness, surrounded by his family.

Martin was raised in Staten Island, New York, by his beloved parents, Sara & Edward Idelson, of blessed memory. Martin was a loving brother to Daniel Idelson and Elinor Singer, both of blessed memory.

His early and persistent interest in the sciences drove him to earn undergraduate and doctorate degrees in organic chemistry from Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. In 1954, he was invited by a past adviser to move to Boston to pursue post-doctoral research in biomedicine with the Jimmy Fund. Martin’s work attracted the interest of researchers at Polaroid, the company that was revolutionizing the photographic industry with its instant imaging technology. He joined Edwin Land’s elite R&D team in 1958. Over the ensuing 28 years, Dr. Idelson was awarded numerous US and foreign patents, published articles and gave lectures in the US, Europe and Asia on the chemistry of instant photography. He specialized in photographic dyes and led the development of the dyes for the SX70 family of photographic films. After retiring as Research Fellow and Director of Dye Chemistry in 1985, he studied music theory and astronomy at Boston University and independently studied genetics, biotechnology and cosmology.

Above all else, Martin was a devoted family man. He shared 63 years of marriage with the love of his life, Paulette, of blessed memory, whom he fell for after meeting her at a Jewish Community Center social event in Brookline. Together they devoted their lives to raising their children with love and care. Martin was a dedicated father and role model for his son and daughter, James and Shirley, and a proud and loving "Grampa" to his grandchildren, Sander and Shari & her husband Josh. Martin cherished his daughters-in-law, Sue Ellyn, and Alexis, of blessed memory, whom he welcomed into the family as daughters of his very own. He was a much-loved and admired “Uncle Marty” to an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews - each of whom he grew to know as individuals. His family was his passion, and he took immense pride in supporting them in every way possible.

In addition to his professional and family life, Martin had a Renaissance man’s passion for music, photography and citizen science. His lifelong pursuit of classical piano leaves all who knew him with the lingering sounds of everlasting melodies. He expressed his passion for the visual arts through his practice of landscape, travel and architectural photography, which graced the walls of his homes and the pages of various publications. Martin pursued scientific experimentation and invention at home, gaining a patent of his own and collaborating with researchers to address challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martin believed that knowledge was to be shared. He leaves a lifelong legacy as a mentor and teacher, imparting his knowledge in settings ranging from intimate, informal relationships with family and friends to work as an instructor at the university level. He taught organic, general and polymer chemistry at Northeastern University, UMass Boston and Bentley College. In his 90s, as part of the lifelong learning program at Regis College, Martin created and taught courses in challenging scientific topics ranging from the origins of the universe to the cellular and chemical makeup of the human body.

Martin’s legacy of humility, love, and working for a better world will continue to live on through his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, 475 Washington St., Canton on Tuesday, September 24 at 1pm with livestream viewing available using the following link: www.levinelive.com/idelson

Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

In-person shiva will be observed at the home of Jim and Sue Ellyn Idelson on Tuesday, September 24 from 6-8pm, and on Wednesday, September 25 from 6-8pm with a minyan service at 7pm each night.

Zoom shiva minyan services will be held on Wednesday, September 25 at 7pm at https://huc-edu.zoom.us/j/95131380607?from=addon (this hybrid service will connect the in-person gathering with those online)

Contributions in Martin’s memory may be made to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute for talented young classical musicians, www.tinyurl.com/IdelsonRemembrance