Senate Resolution No. 561

BY: Senator MAYER

MOURNING the death of Murray Wittner, MD, PhD,
renowned pathologist, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Dr. Murray Wittner was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. Murray Wittner, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 23, 1927 in New York City, Dr. Murray Wittner
died on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at the age of 93; and

WHEREAS, Interested in science from an early age, "Wit" as he was
affectionately known at Far Rockaway High School, was a member of the
Biology and Chemistry Clubs, as well as various service organizations;
after graduation, he attended the University of Illinois,
Urban-Champaign, where he received both his Bachelor of Liberal Arts and
Master of Science (zoology) degrees; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Murray Wittner enlisted
in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the
Korean War from 1951 to 1953, advancing to the esteemed rank of First
Lieutenant; and

WHEREAS, Stationed in Tokyo, Murray Wittner served as consultant
parasitologist to the Air Force Surgeon of the Far East Air Force; after
the war, he returned to Harvard University, settling in Watertown,
Massachusetts, with his bride and completing his doctorate in 1955; and

WHEREAS, Following the advice of his lifelong best friend, the late
Arthur Gillman, Murray Wittner went on to attend Yale University School
of Medicine, graduating in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Murray Wittner and his wife, the former Phyllis
Gillman, moved from West Haven, Connecticut, to Mamaroneck, New York, in
1962, and then moved to their present home in Larchmont, New York, in
1964; and

WHEREAS, Murray met Phyllis, his best friend Arthur's younger
sister, when they were children; it was only after Murray returned from
the Air Force, however, that he noticed her; the two would go for long
drives so Murray could practice driving to get his driver's license; it
was perhaps at this time that he also began his lifetime romance with
cars, especially sports cars, a passion he held throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Murray Wittner's illustrious career as a pathologist
and specialist in parasitology spanned more than 50 years at the Albert
Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) in the Bronx, New York; and


WHEREAS, Throughout his extraordinary tenure at AECOM, Dr. Murray
Wittner ran a research laboratory where he mentored dozens of young
doctors and scientists, taught parasitology at the medical school, and
regularly saw patients at the hospital and later at his travel medicine
clinic; he was Professor Emeritus at the Albert Einstein College of
Medicine; and

WHEREAS, An audiophile and avid photographer, Dr. Murray Wittner
also had a passion for classical music, hi fidelity stereo equipment,
symphony orchestra and the opera; he and Phyllis regularly attended the
New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera, and
the New York City Ballet; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Murray Wittner and his close friend, the late Nicholas
Delagi, spent many evenings listening to, critiquing, and enjoying music
played on the latest stereo equipment; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, a shutterbug, Dr. Murray Wittner was a regular
at the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, where he and a small
group of devotees, "the camera club," would gather on Saturday mornings;
and

WHEREAS, For much of his life, Dr. Murray Wittner was always ready
with a camera; he was best known as a nature photographer, especially
animals and landscapes, but also excelled in closeup work of flowers and
insects; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, he was equally comfortable on both sides of
the film and would descend into his color darkroom for hours on end
developing and printing his pictures; he and Phyllis worked together
mounting and framing Murray's work, many of which adorn their home; and

WHEREAS, While he was passionate about many things, above all his
greatest passion was being a father to his two children, a grandfather
to his two grandsons, and a husband to his wife of nearly 66 years,
Phyllis; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Dr. Murray Wittner is survived by
his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa Wittner and Jack Schwartz; son and
daughter-in-law, David and Hsin Hsin Wittner; and two grandsons, Michael
and Hunter Wittner; as well as a niece, Sarah Gillman; and nephew,
Theodore Gillman; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Murray Wittner's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. Murray Wittner leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Murray Wittner, MD, PhD, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Murray Wittner, MD, PhD.