Martin Pomerantz

Martin Pomerantz, 87, departed peacefully to the great chemistry lab in the sky on October 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in the Bronx on May 3, 1939, Martin was a proud alum of the Bronx High School of Science, City College of New York, and Yale University, where he earned his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Organic Chemistry. Martin was a professor at several universities, culminating in a decades-long career at the University of Texas at Arlington. He took pride in weeding out would-be doctors who could not pass his class. Martin was highly published, presented at conferences all over the world, and received many honors for excellence in his field. He also served as a Program Officer at the National Science Foundation.

Martin met the teenage girl with whom he would spend the next 69 years – Maxine – on a blind date July 4, 1957, and courted her with love letters revealed by performing chemistry experiments. They married June 4, 1961, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Though he would never admit it out loud, Martin adored his wife and was very proud of the success of his three children – Lee, Wendy, and Heidi. He had a fantastic sense of humor and is one of the reasons his children are so funny (and bright, attractive, and humble).

Together Martin and Maxine, often with kids in tow, traveled the US and world, visiting over 60 countries and all 50 states. Once an avid trout fisherman, he also enjoyed playing for his department’s softball team – the Infrared Sox.

Martin was a bright, loud smart-ass who penned many silly songs, sometimes sung in falsetto. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife and children, son-in law Ryan, and beloved grandson Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents Pauline and Harry, sister Rena, and grandson Alex. The family is grateful to many caregivers who helped him over the last 7 years.

Donations can be made to the American Stroke Association or Congregation Shearith Israel.