Edward M. Stricker, 1941-2024

Renowned neuroscientist Edward Michael Stricker of Fox Chapel, died at home, at age 83, on August 22, 2024, of kidney disease and Myelodysplastic syndrome. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his frankness, his commitment to his principles, and his sense of humor.

Ed, as he was known to most, was born on May 22, 1941, in the Bronx, New York, to Irving and Diana (Coopersmith) Stricker. After a childhood in Parkchester, he earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1960 and 1961, respectively, and a PhD in psychology from Yale University in 1965. He held faculty positions at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario from 1967 to 1971. He arrived at the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 as an associate professor of psychology and biological sciences and was elevated to full professor in 1976. In 1986, he was named a Distinguished University Professor of Neuroscience, a special Pitt faculty honor.

During his 49 years as a professor and research scientist at Pitt, Ed played an influential role in the development of the University's nationally recognized neuroscience program. First, serving as the director of the behavioral neuroscience program from 1983 to 1986, then as the founding chair of the Department of Neuroscience from 1986 to 2002. He was also the founding director of Pitt's Conti Center for Neuroscience of Mental Disorders (1990-1995) and was co-director of Pitt's Center for Neuroscience (1996-2002). His particular research focus was on homeostasis, as it relates to hunger and thirst.

Ed taught thousands of Pitt students across courses ranging from introductory to graduate courses in neuroscience, as well as interdisciplinary honors courses. In recognition of his teaching, the University of Pittsburgh awarded him the 1992 Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2001 Tina & David Bellet Teaching Excellence Award. He also received the Research Scientist Award from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (1981-1986) and the Distinguished Career Award from the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior in 2015.

Among his accomplishments at Pitt, Ed served as the Dean of the University Honors College from 2011 to 2017. He retired from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020.

Growing up in New York City, Ed was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan. His love of sports continued in Pittsburgh as he adopted the local professional teams, and particularly supported Pitt's athletic programs.

He is survived by his second wife of nearly 16 years, Myriam, and her children Alyssa, Nicole, and their spouses. He is also survived by his former wife of 42 years, Marcy Bloom, and their children Judd, Emily, and their spouses; his siblings George, Carol, and their spouses; and one grandson.

A memorial service will be held on October 6th, 2024, at BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC. 421 Allegheny Ave. Oakmont, PA 15139. Visitation begins at 1 pm, followed by select eulogies from 2pm to 3pm. There will be a live stream of the eulogies available for those who would like to attend virtually at https://www.youtube.com/live/CxWyxIHETVI?si=rdqxJF4uYapZVB5n

In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the Edward Stricker Undergraduate Neuroscience Excellence Award fund, or to your local library.