Allegheny County PA Archives- Obituaries: Goronkin, Herbert, 09 Jan 1936 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: LJSLumpy@aol.com, Jun 2012 Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/ ________________________________________________ Goronkin, Herbert Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on January 9, 1936, Herbert Goronkin (76) lost his long battle with cancer on May 31, 2012. A USAF veteran and PhD physicist (Temple University 1973), Herb worked for the International Resistance Company, Honeywell , American Electronic Labs, General Electric and Varian Associates, before relocating from the east coast to Motorola in Phoenix in 1977. Herb relished working with his outstanding team of diverse and innovative scientists and engineers; together at Motorola, they created the most successful research organization of its kind. He retired from Motorola as a Vice-President and Chief Scientist for Phoenix Corporate Research Labs in 2003, at which time he turned to a new and exciting career, launching and investing in emerging companies with Lux Capital, based in New York City. Initially completing "due diligence" on potential portfolio companies, Herb eventually became a venture partner in this enterprise, and how he loved his "Lux Boys!" During his technical career, Herb authored or co-authored close to 90 publications and was inventor or co-inventor on approximately 65 patents. He was recognized at Motorola with their highest technical honor, the Dan Noble Fellow award (1996) and also as a Distinguished Innovator (1995). In 1993, Herb was honored by the IEEE Phoenix Section as Senior Engineer of the Year and was named as an IEEE Fellow in 1989; he was also a member of Sigma Xi. Herb served on the governing board for the Center of Integrated Nanosystems and was co-chair of the National Nano Business Alliance Technical Advisory Board. Herb was honored to be named to Temple University's Gallery of Success in 2008. In addition he was invited to serve on the board of the National Research Council in Canada in 2009. Herb stated that the most humbling and gratifying thing that ever happened to him was the Technical Symposium honoring him on the occasion of his 75th birthday in 2011, produced and attended by former technical associates from Motorola, major universities and government agencies with whom he collaborated throughout his career. A seasoned traveler, Herb enjoyed studying languages, particularly Japanese and French. In his 40s, Herb took up the challenge to learn to play the piano, which he continued to enjoy for his own pleasure. A tennis player and hiking enthusiast, Herb dragged everyone from his wife to his children, friends, co-workers and visiting dignitaries to trek up Camelback Mountain regularly, eventually encouraging his (then) 76 year old mother to accompany the family to the Grand Canyon for a donkey ride down to spend the night with the family hikers at Phantom Ranch. Countless Canyon hikes followed. Nothing was more important to Herb than "family," and he cast a wide net to include some adoptees, out-laws, in-laws and ex-laws into his motley, rowdy and loving crew. A gifted cook, who made a mean martini and a perfect Manhattan, Herb also was a wine enthusiast, and knew how to throw a fantastic party. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Sander (Tammy) and Mae Schulman Goronkin, and his beloved step-daughter, Rebecca Louise Witter, who died in September of 2011. In 1980, he merged his family of three sons (David, Jeffrey and Michael Garson Goronkin) with that of his adored wife of nearly 32 years, Pamela Cooper Goronkin, and her three children (Rebecca Louise, Theresa Louise and James David Witter) and blended them all into a life rich in tradition, fun experiences and lasting legacy. "PopPop" also leaves behind ten grandchildren (Morgan, Mara, Shane, Nicolas, Alex, Jared, Ayla, Kaylene, Cooper and Ava) of whom he was so proud, as well as his two sisters (Mollye Leibowitz and Arlene Mae) and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and, of course, George! He delightfully always enjoyed "the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker," and made friends wherever he found himself. He created so many memories for all who touched his life that his spirit will continue to infect everything and everyone he left behind. At his request, the celebration of Herb's life will be private. Should you choose, please make a donation in Herb's name to: _https://development-comm.mayoclinic.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=191&srcid=191_ (https://development-comm.mayoclinic.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=191&srcid=191) ; choose cancer research and follow the prompts. Arrangements by Tempe Mortuary.