Peter Meltzer, Ph.D., age 74, of Lexington, MA, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024 after a courageous 6.5 year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Beloved husband of Lynn (Segal) Meltzer. Loving father of Colin Meltzer and his wife, Lynn Gray-Meltzer, and Danny Meltzer and his partner Dan Wu. Adored grandfather of Jada and Alina. Cherished brother of Ingrid Messika and her husband Shimon. Devoted son-in-law of Thelma Segal and brother-in-law of Gail and Bud Carr, Denise and Steve Umans, and Keith and Debbie Segal. Awesome uncle of Limor Messika, Galia Greenberg, Yoni Messika, Dana Messika-Friedman, Dalya Umans, Ari Umans, Kevin Carr, Matt Carr, Evan Segal, and Graeme Segal.
Pete grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he earned his Masters and doctorate in Organic Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). He and Lynn met as undergraduates at Wits where Pete’s brilliant mind, his witty humor, his musical talents, and his passion for camping and hiking, quickly captured Lynn’s heart. What sealed their bond was their mutual passion about the injustices of apartheid and their involvement in the anti-apartheid movement which resulted in the withdrawal of Pete’s passport by the South African government. When Pete and Lynn married in 1972, they decided that they would leave South Africa as soon as they both completed their doctorates so that they could help with the fight against injustice from abroad.
Pete and Lynn’s plans came to fruition In 1977, when they traveled around Europe for 6 months in a used camper van, after which they moved to Boston, where Pete began a postdoctoral position in Organic Chemistry at MIT. In 1986, with two colleagues, Pete co-founded Organix, a pharmaceutical research and development company where Pete’s leadership resulted in a unique welcoming workplace with a caring and compassionate work ethic. His publications included over 100 scientific papers and 24 patents. His partners and staff all lauded him as an amazing scientist and leader who was kind and respectful, who emphasized people above everything else, and who cared deeply about everyone.
From early childhood, Pete had a gorgeous voice and a love of music. At 8 years old, he was invited to sing in the synagogue choir, and at 9 years old, he performed in a professional stage production of the musical, “Oliver”. He also played the piano and guitar, and at 17 years old, he formed a folk-singing group and was invited to play in different folk-singing clubs. In the United States, he continued many of his musical pursuits, which included his regular serenades for his family with guitar, piano and singing. He also joined a local world music group, the Halalisa Singers, and his gorgeous tenor voice brought joy to all. Throughout his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, he enjoyed singing and whistling complex classical music.
Pete’s love of family always shone through from schlepping Colin and Danny to all their various activities and interests, ballroom dancing with Lynn, and helping Colin and his wife, Lynn, with assembling furniture and moving. He also enjoyed organizing detailed agendas for traveling and spending time with his grandchildren, Jada and Alina. Pete was multitalented and had many interests. He was constantly engaged in home improvement projects, he loved mapping and navigation, and he enjoyed bicycling and boating adventures.
Perhaps what everyone will remember most about Pete was his unique ability to bring humor to every situation. He always tried to find something to laugh about and his positive approach brought joy to his family, his colleagues and staff, and his friends!
Lynn, Colin and Danny want to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to all of Peter’s caregivers and therapists who made his last few years comfortable and enjoyable, in particular, Seniors Helping Seniors, Bridges by Epoch in Lexington, Assisting Hands, Effective Home Care, and Tribute Home Care.
A funeral service will be on Tuesday, January 30, at 11:00 AM at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Street, Lexington. Following the service, interment will be at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford Road, Lexington. The family requests that everyone wear masks at the service.
Shiva will be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in honor of Pete to be made to a fundraiser for one of Pete’s wonderful caregivers here: https://gofund.me/38e49531 or to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Peter here: http://act.alz.org/goto/Peter
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