Mark R. Adelman ’63

Mark had manifold callings — internationally recognized scientist, teacher of medical students, advocate for better public schools, civic leader, webmaster, and oyster farmer. His life was one of honor, curiosity, adventure, and helping others.

A resident of Kensington and Scotland Beach, Md., he died Sept. 17, 2017, of pancreatic cancer.

Mark came to us from Atlantic City (N.J.) High School. At Princeton he majored in biology, received awards for proficiency in German, was treasurer of the Spanish Club, and ate at Terrace. He roomed with Laden, Coco, Nesbitt, and Carballo.

After earning a Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of Chicago and doing postdoctoral work at Rockefeller University, he concentrated his research on how cells move. He taught at Duke and at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md.

As a civic activist, Mark helped found Montgomery County Education Forum to promote educational access for all public school students, was president of Kensington Heights Civic Association and Tanner Creek Civic Association in Scotland Beach, and worked to prevent Costco from placing a large gas station close to housing. The retiree became a Chesapeake Bay farmer with a loyal following for his delicious smoked oysters.

Mark is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Abigail; son Bennett; grandchildren Robbie and Jillian; and sister Lois Adelman.