Steven M. Schildcrout 1943-2024

Steve was born July 18, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Harry and Lillian Schildcrout. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1964. The same year, he married Antonia Elizabeth Herz.

Steve earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Northwestern University in 1968. While he completed a postdoc at Rice University in Houston, Texas, his first son, Douglas, was born. In 1969, he began his career as a professor at Youngstown State University, and his second son, Jordan, was born the following year.

Steve remained a faculty member of YSU’s chemistry department until 2005 and he continued teaching as a professor emeritus until 2010. His research in mass spectrometry appeared in multiple scientific journals, and in 1989, he was recognized with the YSU Distinguished Professor Award for his scholarship. He was also a longtime member of the American Chemical Society.

In his youth, Steve was an Eagle Scout, and he was an avid swimmer and cyclist throughout his life. He was a member of Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom, served as an officer for PFLAG Youngstown, and in his retirement, regularly participated in meetings of the YSU Academy. He supported various causes for social justice and was a dedicated patron of the arts.

Steve is survived by his wife, Toni; son, Douglas Schildcrout, and daughter-in-law, Abigail Schildcrout; son, Jordan Schildcrout, and son-in-law, David Zellnik; sister, Carol Hindin, and brother-in-law, Ron Hindin; sister, Debra Lynn Gold, and brother-in-law, Alan Vaughn; and grandchildren, Zachary, Ryan and Andrew Schildcrout.

Donations in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Cleveland or the Butler Institute of American Art.

Professional arrangements are being handled by Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com.

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