78°
FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. -- Michael J. Martell, 84, of Franklin Lakes passed away June 16, 2016.
Born in Minneapolis, Minn., he moved to Franklin Lakes in 1978 and became a member of the Indian Trail Club.
He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. After obtaining his Ph.D.in pharmaceutical chemistry and a B.S. in pharmacy from University of Minnesota, he relocated to work at Lederle Laboratories, a division of American Cyanamid in Pearl River, N.Y. He spent his career working as a director in the International and Medical Research Divisions, retiring in 1994.
Martell received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota in 1976 for his work in medical research. He published numerous scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored numerous patents. However, his most notable career achievement was the synthesis of Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic (trademarked Minocin) still used to treat infections today, nearly 50 years after it was launched.
He was the husband of June Martell of Franklin Lakes; they were married for nearly 49 years. He also was the father of Karen Martell of Menlo Park, Calif., Erica Martell of Montclair and dachshund, Max. He also is survived by his brother, Ronald Martell and his wife Saundra of Longville, Minn.
A graveside service will be conducted at Acacia Park Cemetery, 2151 Pilot Knob Road, Mendota Heights, Minn. at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy. Donors can make out checks to “Univ. of MN Foundation,” noting “Pharmaceutical Research Fund #3094” on the memo line. Mail checks to: Univ of Minnesota Fdtn, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis MN 55486-0266.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes and receive free news updates.
