In Memoriam Professor of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences Dr. Robert Bernatzky, former UMass Amherst Professor of Plant Genetics & Breeding, passed away on March 30, 2010, in Amherst, MA. Robert was born on March 30, 1954, in Port Jefferson, N.Y. He was the son of Robert W. Bernatzky and Mitzi (Guarini) Bernatzky. He grew up in St. James, N.Y. Robert graduated from Long Island University in 1976 with a B.A. in biology; he received an M.S. (vegetable crops) at University of California, Davis, 1981; and a Ph.D. (biology), at New Mexico State University, 1985. He later did postdoctoral work at Cornell University and at the University of Melbourne, Australia, before joining the faculty of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1987. He was a member of the Department of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences (formally Plant & Soil Sciences) until his retirement in 2008, after 21 years of dedicated service. Robert's research was both applied and basic. His pioneering work, using DNA technology to assist plant breeders, led to methods that hasten the development of new plant varieties. His basic research probed into the phenomenon of self-incompatibility during pollination. Bernatzky's work unraveled genetic mechanisms that keep flowers from self-pollinating, thereby encouraging cross-pollination and genetic diversity. Most recently he was working with colleagues on the genetic resistance of American chestnut to chestnut blight. The quality of a researcher's work is mirrored by the quality of the journals that accept the results for publication. Robert published three manuscripts in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), a journal that has the highest respect both nationally and internationally. His dozens of papers have been cited hundreds of times and his scientific discoveries appear in many textbooks. His recognized expertise resulted in collaborations with researchers worldwide. A colleague called his work "precise and intelligent" and his results "irrefutable." Many of his graduate students have gone on to careers in plant biology. While his significant academic accomplishments will persist in the scientific literature forever, it is the rapport he had with his colleagues and the love he had for his family that will remain with those that survive him. Robert's love was being outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, walking in the woods, especially around Puffer's Pond in Amherst and on the beach. He liked hiking, bird watching, camping and traveling. One could usually find a field guide and binoculars in his car. When indoors, he enjoyed reading and watching movies. His memory for detail was amazing, his recall of facts remarkable. Robert was generous; he gave more to others than he gave himself. But his most prominent attributes were the compassion he had for others and his strong moral compass. Robert is survived by his former spouse, Maureen Manning, son Colin and daughter Kelly, all of Amherst; his mother, Mitzi Bernatzky, of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.; sisters Christine Werner and Suzanne James; brothers David Bernatzky and Andrew Bernatzky; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Robert W. Bernatzky. Those of us at the University of Massachusetts who knew Robert for a long time will always remember him as a brilliant scientist with a keen mind. He was a gentle soul with a deep and genuine love for his family, colleagues, and friends. We will miss him dearly. Please see the "PSIS Tribute to Robert Bernatzky" page. Memorial gifts may be made to Human Kindness Foundation: P.O. Box 61619, Durham, NC 27715, www.humankindness.org. Obituary and online Memorial Guestbook are at www.douglassfuneral.com. |
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