I just came to know of Dr. Jules Mattes’ passing away. It is very shocking and saddening to me that he is no more. He was a highly engaged scientific collaborator from whom I learned a lot. I am a chemist and he was biochemist/biologist, and because of valuable insights I got from him about how cells processed antibodies and conjugates, I became a better chemist. He was a meticulous and consummate experimental scientist, and was brilliant and highly prolific in scientific publishing. He was more like a mentor to me and I always looked up to him, but he moved with me like a friend with very unassuming demeanor. I fondly remember the lunch/dinner outing and sight-seeing outings whenever we didn’t have specific sessions to attend to at scientific meetings. To be in his company or to engage in phone conversation with him was a delight. I was always amazed at the wide range of his interests besides his work, and he had very interesting things to say about books, music, bird-watching, PBS shows and a host of other things. Through him myself and my wife came to know that we could audit courses at Rutgers University for free! My wife immediately availed of that opportunity! After I moved to India last year, I lost contact with him, which I now deeply regret.  My deep and heart-felt condolence to Dr. Mattes’ family. Rest in peace, dear Dr. Mattes.  

Jules Mattes was a great man, and his influence and memory will live on in the field of Classical literature. We never met in person, but toward the end of his life we began corresponding. I had stumbled onto his online essay on Virgil's Aeneid and immediately realized its importance. Somehow, Jules had figured out that the famous episode of the Trojan Horse was a metaphor for the entire poem. He realized that the Aeneid could be (and hence probably was) not only a metaphor for the loss of free speech under a new political regime, but that Virgil, the poet, had figured out a way to get around that problem: the Aeneid itself *was* a Trojan horse.

Jules subsequently suggested that I offer a course on Lucian and the ancient origins of the Enlightenment. It was a brilliant suggestion, but not my specialty, so I accepted his challenge with aplomb. After putting countless hours into developing it, the course just wrapped up, and it was the most interesting seminar I've taught in at least a decade. The students would, I am sure, agree. We all loved it.

You see, Jules had understood - better than all of us Classics professors - that Lucian had important things to say to our times about skepticism, common sense, decency, and community.  I am proud to have served as a conduit for his ideas, and -- though not nearly enough -- to have had the honor of knowing him.

Mike Fontaine
Professor of Classics
Cornell University

We were with you today thanks to live streaming.  Our thoughts have been with you over the past week. And regardless of the distance between us,  I will think of the whole Mattes clan often and forever.
My deepest condolences and love
Judy and Cyril Cobb, Mallorca 

Dear Ruth and Family, 
A heartfelt celebration of an extraordinary life and Jules’s spirit with thrive thru all of you! I plan to read his writings.   Peace to all and the birds shall continue to sing in love and praise. Teresa C. 



Ruth, Malcolm, Devorah, Mitchell, Jeff and Rick,

You all spoke so beautifully about Jules. Unfortunately, we barely had a relationship with Jules when he was alive and therefore have no personal memories to share with you. However, thanks to your eulogies, we learned so much about who Jules was, all he accomplished in his life, and how much he cared about his family. He was an impressive man and a true mensch. We are so sorry we missed out on the opportunity to enjoy and be enriched by his company. May his memory be for a blessing and an inspiration to us  all. - Barry and Susie Stein

Although James and I were not able to attend the service in person,  we are glad that we could attend the service virtually since we are currently away.  It was a beautiful and moving service for an amazing man, loved by his family and all who knew him,  a man whom I am honored to call my mentor and friend.  May he rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathy to Ruth, Malcolm, Vanessa, Mitchell and the entire Mattes/Zirin family.  

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Jules sounded like an amazing man.  Brilliant and caring and beloved.  I'm sorry that I never got to  to meet him.

Jules was exceptional. The memorial brought back many memories from over 20 years in science at CMMI. Jules was very detailed, honest, and fair.  Anytime I walked into his office, he was underlining, highlighting parts of an article he was reading. He will be missed.

Dear Mattes Family,  Jules was a special person. We learned so much about his kind nature and importance to your wonderful family by having the opportunity to view his celebration of life from afar.  Our condolences to you all, he will be missed! Much love Cousins Howie, Sue and Debbie

So glad we were able to hear about all the memories over the live streamed service today. Sending condolences from Dyer, IN from the Paulauskis.

We had the privilege to spend some time with Jules in recent years. My kids, Howie and I enjoyed our dinners in Summit and our hangouts.  Jules made my kids feel special, he was truly 100% interested in everything they had to say (no matter how off the wall). He was always kind and patient  and happy to explore any topic.  We looked forward to those visits.  He had the most sincere smile and laugh and a giant heart, we will miss him. Sending so much love to Ruth, Malcolm, Vanessa, Mitchell and your families. xoxo

OBITUARY

M. Jules Mattes

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