Jack Steller

Jack S. Steller, a 28-year Lab physicist retiree, died July 27 at his home in Berkeley. He was 88.

Steller graduated in 1943 from Pomona College with majors in physics, chemistry and math, and married Sally Ellis, a classmate.

After brief jobs developing submarine detection equipment at the Naval Research Lab and as an instrumentation designer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he pursued graduate studies at UC Berkeley and studied neutral mesons at the Berkeley Lab.

In 1952, he joined LLNL and spent the next two decades there in the controlled fusion and nuclear explosives design groups.

In the 70s, he shifted his focus to studying scenarios for proliferation of nuclear weapons, and possibilities for tracking and controlling them.

During these years, he was involved with the Boy Scouts, becoming district commissioner for Mt. Diablo Council.

Steller retired in 1980, and developed a routine of world travel and study, which he maintained until his death.

In 1988, he returned to UC Berkeley, where he studied economics and biochemistry. He was a member of the UC Center for Learning in Retirement, and led science related discussions there for three decades. He also was a member of the Outlook Club, where he spoke on topics prompted by his travels, and his interests in science, politics and nuclear proliferation.

He is survived by three sons, and his companion, Ingrid Radkey.

A memorial service will take place Sunday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Berkeley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steller’s name to the San Francisco Bach Choir.