Obituary for Linton Mark Traub

Linton Mark Traub
February 6, 1962 - October 19, 2020

On Monday, October 19, 2020, Linton Traub, adored husband of Jill and treasured father of Simone, passed away at the age of 58.
Linton was born in London on February 6, 1962, but grew up and was educated in Johannesburg, South Africa, making life-long school friends. He met the love of his life at the University of the Witwatersrand and they were married in 1986, before moving to the Weizmann Institute in Israel for graduate studies. After further training at Washington University in St. Louis, a bold chapter in their lives began with the birth of Simone in 1997 and a move of his laboratory to Pittsburgh in 2000. Through his struggle with myeloma, he stayed on the faculty at the University, publishing papers, getting grants, and could often be seen doing experiments at the bench.
Despite his often-fearsome gruff outward demeanor he was committed to a better, fairer society for all. He was keen to help students prepare themselves for a challenging career. Linton was a quiet, private person with a sharp sense of humor, strong principles and high standards of excellence for those under his guidance. From his undergraduate days, through his tenure as a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Pittsburgh, he was always captivated by the wonders of biology. He took what he did seriously, and strived to provide, in his own way, a meaningful representation of the remarkable world around him, be it in research or in creative pursuits like hand built ceramics. He was most happy when spending time with his family, either at home or together at live concerts, comedy or art shows. He and his brother Darren also shared a mutual enthusiasm for vintage cars, and together they loved watching the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, attending car shows, or racing sporty cars (sometimes on public roads!)
Linton was preceded in death by his sister Michelle Tania Traub. He is survived by his adored wife of 34 years, Jill Emily (Rodel) Traub; his cherished daughter, Simone Alexandra Traub; brother Darren Ashley Traub; mother-in-law Valerie Rodel; sisters-in-law Lisa Marni Traub and Louise Muriel Rodel; niece and nephew Megan and Daniel; feline companion Eartha "Slab" Traub, as well as many cousins and friends.
Funeral will be at the Penn Forest Natural Burial Park on October 22 at 12:20 p.m. Attendance will be limited due to Covid 19.
Please, no flowers.
Professional Services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville.