Herschel S. Pilloff

Herschel S. Pilloff passed away in Longmont, Colorado on February 27, 2020 after a lengthy illness. He was born August 15, 1940 in Uhrichsville, Ohio to Benjamin and Belle Pilloff and was delivered by his father, who was the doctor in that small midwestern town. Herschel led a very typical small-town childhood and enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, attending school, and participating in Boy Scouts. He also developed his lifelong interest in photography during that time and was very much influenced by the values of life in a small midwestern town—honesty, integrity, and a respect for work.

After completing high school in three years, Herschel went away to college at MIT and then to Cornell University, where he was awarded a PhD in physical chemistry. He then went to the University of Toronto to complete a postdoctoral fellowship with John Polanyi, who later won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. During his time at the University of Toronto, he met Hena, and they were married in June 1968. They moved to Maryland when Herschel completed his fellowship and was offered a position at the Naval Research Laboratory. He was a researcher at NRL for several years before accepting a position at the Office of Naval Research as a program manager in basic science. During his long distinguished career at the Office of Naval Research, he managed many areas of basic research and had the opportunity to work with many of the brightest scientists in the country.

Herschel was insightful in judging the potential of young researchers. Several of those young researchers that Herschel picked up and supported for many years became pioneers in their respective fields, including several Nobel Laureates. He had a strong sense of what made good basic science and good scientists and an instinct for identifying projects that mattered and would produce meaningful results. He understood well the partnership between researchers and funders of research and carried out his end of that partnership in a most exemplary way. To many of the researchers, Herschel was more than a funding contact: his counsel and influence was vitally important in their success. By example, he showed young researchers important values in the work–life balance issue that affects all vigorous people.

After almost 40 years of distinguished government service, Herschel retired from the Office of Naval Research in 2000. After his retirement, he and Hena moved to Colorado, where Herschel enjoyed serious photography and riding his bike in the canyons surrounding Boulder. Herschel is survived by his wife Hena; their three children, Daniel Pilloff, Mark Pilloff, and Rachel Pilloff; their children’s spouses; four grandchildren; and his brother, Allan Pilloff.

Herschel Pilloff was a wonderful man. In addition to his family, he leaves behind a multitude of friends and colleagues deeply saddened by his passing. His wise counsel, his caring ways, and the generosity of his spirit will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known him.