Sydney Finegold was born in Far Rockaway, New York, to parents who were Russian Jews recently immigrated to the U.S. He experienced childhood stigma and prejudice around being the skinny little Jewish kid. He died renowned and revered by several generations of scientists, as a kind and generous mentor and as a giant of a medical scientist. Indeed, he chose to celebrate both his 80th and his 90th birthdays, by organizing a conference which hundreds of colleagues around the world attended. He wrote an autobiography in 2011 when he turned 90, which was published in The Bulletin of BISMiS

His greatest passions in life were medical research (anaerobic bacteria and their role in illness -- he was among the first to posit a relationship between the gut biome and autism) and clinical medicine (infectious diseases). His scientific curiosity continued to flourish until poor health forced him to retire fully from research at age 96.

More information on his recent research interest in autism and gut bacteria is available here: Autism and Bacteria

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Finegold, and many now mourn his loss: his children Joe Finegold (Kim), Pat De Meo (Michael) and Mike Finegold (Joyce); his grandchildren Brie, Chris, Misty and Andy; his great-grandchildren Mateo and Maya; his longtime dear companion Marilyn; his beloved cat Chrissy; his colleagues and friends.

His memorial service will be held in the California Room at the UCLA Faculty Center on Saturday September 22, 2018, at 1pm.

Website maintained by Brie Finegold