Adolf Grunbaum Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Adolf Grünbaum, world-renowned Philosopher of Science, was a university professor, author and administrator. Born in Cologne on 15 May 1923, Adolf fled Nazi Germany in 1938 with his parents and two siblings. Settling in Brooklyn, NY, he spent 2 years in high school to learn English before attending Wesleyan University from which he was graduated a semester early, in 1943. That year he enlisted in the U.S. Army and became one of the "Ritchie Boys" trained to interrogate prisoners of war. After the war, he attended Yale University, earning a Ph.D. degree in philosophy in 1951. Two years prior, Adolf married Thelma Braverman whose death in 2017 closed their long happy marriage. Adolf began teaching at Lehigh University in 1950, and with that embarked on what would become a long and distinguished academic career. Ten years later, he moved to the University of Pittsburgh, which became his professional home for the rest of his life. When he wasn't working, Adolf enjoyed spending time with family and friends at his lakeside home at Deep Creek Lake. Adolf is survived by his sister, Suzanne Reines; daughter, Barbara Grunbaum; son-in-law, Ronald Gregory; grandsons, Benjamin and Eli Gregory; daughter-in-law Erica Gregory; and great grandchildren Ellie and Joe. A celebration of the life of Adolf Grünbaum will be planned sometime in early 2019. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and relatives consider a donation in Adolf's name to the Center for Inquiry (centerforinquiry.org), American Humanists Association (americanhumanist.org), or the United States Holocaust Museum (ushmm.org).

Adolf Grunbaum

May 15, 1923 - November 15, 2018