Melvin "Mel" Perelman

Melvin (Mel) Perelman, PhD Melvin (Mel) Perelman, 90, of Indianapolis passed away at his home on March 26, 2021. Mel was born October 12, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska to Benjamin and Sarah Fox Perelman. Mel received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Northwestern University in 1952. In 1956, he earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from Rice University, followed by a year of postdoctoral research at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. Dr. Perelman joined the Eli Lilly and Company as an organic chemist in 1957. He was elected president of Lilly International in 1976 and was a member of the board of directors of Lilly International. Dr. Perelman was named an executive vice president of Eli Lilly and Company and president of Lilly Research Laboratories, a division of Lilly, on December 1, 1986. He was a member of the company’s board of directors from April of 1976 to December 1993 when he retired. Both a respected scientist and business leader, Dr. Perelman was a member of the board of directors of PSI Resources, Inc., and PSI Energy, Inc., electrical utilities. He was also a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, professional chemistry fraternity; Beta Gamma Sigma, business scholastic honor society; Delta Mu Delta, business administration honor society; Phi Beta Kappa, scholastic honor society; and Sigma XI, scientific research society. Dr. Perelman was recognized as a Viking of Distinction by North High School in Omaha, Nebraska, as a Distinguished Alumnus by Rice University and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree and the President’s Medal by Indiana University. He received the Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and in June 2018 was made a Sagamore of the Wabash. Always willing to serve his adopted city in volunteer positions of leadership, Dr. Perelman was active in the arts, education and cultural communities. He served as chairman of the founding board of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, and he was instrumental in moving the Indianapolis Zoo to its current home in White River State Park. He also served on the Humane Society of Indianapolis advisory board; the advisory council of the Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement and Museum; Indiana University president’s council; Indiana University School of Medicine board of advisors; University of California at San Diego, department of chemistry Industrial board; and Institute for Science in Society (ISIS) board of directors; Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau; steering committee for the Hoosiers for Economic Development Commission; general campaign chairman for a major Indiana University School of Medicine capital campaign, and , in addition, he served on eight corporate boards and five not-for -profit boards. Mel was an avid art collector and, inspired by and in partnership with his wife Joan, assembled a nationally regarded collection of Native American and Western art. Their collection will reside in the permanent collection of the Eiteljorg Museum where Mel was a board member for 20 years, and where he co-chaired a major capital campaign that allowed the Museum to double in size by adding the Mel and Joan Perelman Wing. Mel is survived by his loving wife, Joan Bugbee Perelman; two children, Steven Perelman and Wendy Fels (Dan); eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his youngest son, Kent Perelman. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Eiteljorg Museum, 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202; the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222; or charity of the donor’s choice. Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.