Robert Katz Obituary
Robert "Bob" Katz of Rockport, beloved husband of Rosalie (Daniels) Katz passed away at age 99 on January 5, 2022, in Gloucester. Bob was born on December 18, 1922, in Brooklyn, NY and was the son of Louis F. Katz and Hilda (Gewirtz) Katz. He graduated from the University of Chicago and attended Yale graduate school.
Inspired by his love of mathematics and teaching, Bob became a highly respected professor of both math and logic at several educational institutions including Tufts University and Harvard Extension. He also was a math editor at Houghton Mifflin Co. and Allyn Bacon Co. During his "retirement," he taught at Rockport High School. His dynamic teaching style, innovative thinking, and deep kindness inspired many of his students to pursue careers in mathematics and related fields of study and research.
Most notably, Bob was a true innovator in the field of mathematics. Along with his friend Michael Grossman, Bob created Multiplicative Calculus, one of the most applied of their non-Newtonian calculi. The mathematics books which he wrote with Michael and Jane Grossman are being used today in the fields of engineering, finance, biology, and economics. To learn more about Bob's body of work, please google "Recollections and Reflections" written by his very close friend and co-author, Michael Grossman.
Many people who encountered Bob found him remarkable as a hard-working teacher, mentor and friend.
Bob and his wife Rosalie donated generously to The Heritage Foundation and The Reed Institute Library.
The family would also like to thank all of Bob's caregivers, Charlene Delmar, Katherine Esty, Lara Pepin, and his fireman friend, Bill Montgomery, for their caring support and dedication over many years.
Bob Katz is survived by his dear wife Rosalie; daughter Lynne Katz Tracy; son Dan Katz; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Edward Katz.
In keeping with his wishes there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in his name to: Friends of Rockport Library, c/o Rockport Public Library, 17 School Street, Rockport, MA 01966 or Rockport Fire Department, P.O. Box 2, Rockport, MA 01966.
Arrangements are by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930. Condolences may be given at: http://www.greelyfuneralhome.com.
