Milton Nathanson

Born April 21, 1936, legend has it that his beloved mother and Austrian immigrant, Mary, held out during labor so that he was not born on the same date as the fascist ruler her family fled. He led a hardscrabble working-class boyhood in Brooklyn, son of his candy store-owning father Lou, getting into his fair share of scrapes and, in classic Milt fashion, adopting the borough-rival New York Giants as his beloved ballclub until their betrayal to San Francisco in 1958.

In addition to being a bit of a contrarian, young Milton exhibited a gifted mind, being skipped numerous grades and having a seemingly unending appetite for learning; a trait that he exhibited throughout his life. He shared an equal passion for both history and science, but chose the latter as his academic vocation as he saw it as a better career path. He graduated from Brooklyn College as a student athlete, playing third base and having, “surprising power for a guy his size.”

From there, Milton began to teach at his Alma-mater where he met his first wife Linda Hovitz. Together they made a temporary New York exodus, attending the University of Kansas, where Milton earned a PhD in biology. They returned to New York and welcomed their first child Melanie in 1967 and then Scott in 1969. And while his first marriage did not stand the test of time, he always said it was the, “best mistake he ever made” given his deep love for his children.

As a Mets fan from their origin in 1962, Milton of course made his home in the middle of Yankees country—the Bronx. He accepted a position as a biology professor at Queens College, where he would spend the next four decades. “Doctor Nathanson’s” introductory biology class has been credited by countless students as their first step toward a career in science or medicine as he blended a traditional lecture style with his trademark dry wit and provocative questions that engaged (and occasionally enraged) his students. He also specialized in Entomology research, focusing on ticks and disease transmission; something that would be of service to our nation even after his professorial career had closed.

Milton’s family expanded once again as he found love with Priscilla Harris. Another keen scientific mind with a quick wit and a love for another one of his passions—vampire tales—the two bonded and were married. Priscilla had two daughters from a first marriage, Tobie and Sarah, who he quickly took into his heart as if they were his own flesh-and-blood. Milton and Priscilla settled together in Hollis Hills, Queens where they raised their blended family until Milton’s retirement.

The couple retired to Clearwater, Florida where they formed a new community of friends through their condominium community and their synagogue, Beth Shalom, where he served on the board.

Professor Nathanson also served in another capacity with the United States Army. His entomology research proved invaluable as a part of a program designed to defend the nation against any potential use of biological agents as weapons of mass destruction. His distinguished service in this capacity earned him a full Colonel’s rank in the Army Reserve. This service gave him a special satisfaction as he was medically unable to serve earlier in life, something he regretted given his respect for service and his keen interest in military history and affairs.

Teaching, researching, or reading paled in comparison to the joy of welcoming his first grandchild, Jason, into the world; followed shortly after by Gus, Rachel, Gunnar, and Sam. He was a beloved Zayde to all of them, providing guidance, love, and an endless supply of absolutely awful jokes & puns of which, his family believes, were his most cherished achievements of all.

If you would like to make a donation in Milton’s memory, the family recommends you give to Congregation Beth Shalom, his Clearwater congregation in which he was so involved. Please visit cbsclearwater.org/Donate.