Obituary of Bernard George Steinetz

Dr. Bernard G. Steinetz May 30 1927- Jan. 21 2015 Bern Steinetz passed away at his daughter Ann's home in Boonton Township on January 21, 2015. He had been living at Franciscan Oaks, located in Denville, New Jersey for the last 21 months. His passing was quiet, peaceful, and dignified, as was his life. Bernard was a truly a man whose life was nothing short of legendary. Bernie fell out of a tree at the age of 13 and shattered his right ankle. He then spent three years in a body cast while the leg was saved and the skin grafted. He graduated from Montclair HS in 1945, and went to Princeton University. Bern graduated with a BS in Biology, Magnum Cum Laude in 1949, pursued his education at Rutgers University where he earned his PhD. at the age of 23. He was hired by Warner Lambert Pharmaceuticals in Morris Plains in 1954 where he worked as a Senior Research Associate until 1971. Bernard made the move to Franklin Lakes in 1967 when he transferred to Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Ardsley NY. He continued his career as Head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Inflammation Research, focusing on the love of his scientific career, Relaxin. As if 30 years in research wasn't enough, Bernie became an Associate Professor at New York University where he lectured often and continued his research at the LEMSIP primate center in Sterling Forest NY. After LEMSIP closed in the early 1990's, Bernie continued his research independently through research grants. Throughout his career, Bern published more than 80 papers and was often sought for his expertise in his field. Through his generous financial and intellectual contributions, Bern provided many opportunities and fostered the careers of many graduate students at Rutgers. Among the many friends and family who knew him, Bernie was considered saintly. He gave love, attention, wisdom and his money to anyone who needed it. There was never a time he was not accessible, never a time he wasn't interested in what you had to say, never a time when he wasn't encouraging, helpful or caring. Bernie's life was a model of what it is to live in the present. He rarely showed anger, or carried the baggage of resentment or regrets. He remains forever to be a testament of a true gentleman, a scholar and a loving father. Bernie was truly a renaissance man, feared for the environment, overpopulation, and promoted equal rights for all people regardless of color or gender. He believed that education was the means to the end to save the planet, the seas and all of us who dwell here. He cherished our veterans, revered all the animals and the earth. Bernie and his wife Jane raised 3 children, Carl, Scott and Ann, in Mt. Lakes NJ. He is survived by Scott, Ann, and 6 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Mountain Lakes Club, 18 Lake Drive, Mountain Lakes NJ on Saturday January 24, 2015, at 11:30 am. Please come share your thoughts and memories with his family. His family will greatly miss his guidance, his gentleness and his spirit. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bern's name to either of the following charitable organizations: Population Connection www.populationconnection.org NWF www.nwf.org/DonateNWF Arrangements in care of the Codey and Mackey Funeral Home of Boonton NJ. To share a memory or extend condolences, please visit www.codeymackeyfh.com