Peter A. Politzer

Peter Politzer, aged 84, died peacefully at home in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans on Friday, June 10, 2022 after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Peter was born on December 12, 1937 in Prague, Czechoslovakia to devoted parents Alfred and Anna Politzer; during WWII his family bravely emigrated to the United States and established successful lives in Cleveland, Ohio. After obtaining his PhD in Chemistry from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Peter began his career in 1966 as an assistant professor of chemistry at Louisiana State University of New Orleans, now the University of New Orleans (UNO). He served UNO for 40 years as a brilliant, dedicated teacher and will be remembered as an internationally-recognized researcher in theoretical and computational chemistry. After retirement he held the title of Boyd Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and remained active in research until his last days. In addition to his work, Peter loved reading, traveling, exploring his favorite city of New Orleans, and spending time with his family and friends. He was known for his great wit, intellectual curiosity, and astounding range of knowledge on a vast array of topics ranging from military history to baseball trivia to the best bar in any town he had ever visited. Peter was also known for his incredible generosity and love of a good party, as evidenced by treating generations of family and friends to wonderful vacations and countless meals where laughter reigned, wine flowed, and everyone was always encouraged to order dessert. Peter was preceded in death by his son Alfred Ruks Politzer in 2011, and is survived by his two daughters Marianna Gebhardt (Michael) and her children Edward, Matilda and Elizabeth, and Irena Politzer; his daughter-in-law Abigail Politzer and her daughter Bonnie; his life partner Jane Murray and her sons Sean Murray (Erin) and his children Chase, Bryce and Emerson, and Robert Murray (Amanda) and his sons Robert, Connor and Luke; and his brother Paul Politzer. Peter was a true Renaissance man who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, please go out and celebrate Peter and his remarkable life with a glass of beer or wine. 

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