Saul Ben Needleman

Dr. Saul Needleman, 91, born in Humboldt Park and longtime resident of the North Shore; beloved husband of Sondra for 65 years; loving father of Marty (Bonnie), Arthur (Cathy), Beth Perlman (Gary), and Heidi Hibbs (Darin); proud grandfather of Joseph, Claire, Emory, Camdyn, Haley, and Caden; seven nephews and a niece; and dear brother of the late Cyrell Stolar. Dr. Needleman was a biochemist, teacher, author, and artist. After graduating from Tuley High School in 1945, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Organic Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1950; a Master of Science in Biochemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1955; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and Medicine, Northwestern University in 1957. His career as a biochemist began at Nalco in 1955; Chief of Nuclear Medicine, VA Research Hospital, Chicago, 1965-1973; Coordinator Science Affairs at Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, 1974-1979; Director Clinical Affairs at Schering-Plough, Memphis, 1979-1981; Director Medical Affairs at Hollister, Inc., Libertyville, 1981-1985; Consultant with the United States Naval Dental Research Program; Medical expert with the United States Navy Drug Program, Great Lakes Naval Station; Legal-medical consultant with the Drug Abuse Program, United States Navy, 1986-1995. Dr. Needleman retired after 10 years as a civilian working at the Great Lakes Naval Station Drug Lab and serviced with United States Naval Reserve from 1945-1947. Additionally, he was an Associate Professor for Biochemistry and Neurology at Northwestern University, Evanston, 1960-1973; Chairman, Department of Biochemistry at Roosevelt University, 1973-1975; and taught nutrition at Oakton Community College, 1995-2000. While his career was biochemistry, his passions were the arts and numismatics. He worked in various media from painting, sculpture, stained glass, woodworking, furniture, and photography. His children took up his interests in science and the arts. His books include detailed research in protein analysis, history of and through numismatics, and fiction. He is well known for the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm, used in bioinformatics to align protein or nucleotide sequences. Associations include: Member City of Chicago High School Science Fairs Council, 1960-1985; Highland Park City Zoning Commission; Highland Park School Board; Member of American Israel Numismatic Society; American Numismatic Society; Royal Society Numismatic; British Numismatic Society; and American Society Biological Chemistry. Achievements include patents in biochemistry and medical fields; recipient Presidential Award, Abbott Laboratories, 1979; RESA Science Research Award, 1960; Toni Research Fellow, 1954-1955; and Gillette Research Fellow, 1953-1954. Additionally, there were many achievements in the arts and numismatic fields.

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Service Information

Service : Monday, July 22nd at 10:00 am
Service Location: Graveside Service -Shalom Memorial Park

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights