In Memory of Mel Toub

Melvin "Mel" Richard Toub, 70, of Naples and Clifton Park, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Avow Hospice in Naples. Born January 6, 1949, in the Bronx, Mel was the son of the late Sonia Tobolsky- Toub and Joseph Toub. Mr. Toub married Joyce Silverstein-Toub on June 18, 1972, in Brooklyn. He received his undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.E. and M.B.A.) degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in materials engineering. He was the recipient of several awards and recognitions related to his career in the silicone industry. He was also a concert bassoonist.

Mel was an accomplished materials engineer at G.E. Silicones and later Momentive Performance Materials with several publications and patents in his field. Mel later went on to become a private consultant in the silicone industry. He was regarded as a leader in his field and headed several training courses and conferences. Mel performed in several musical ensembles and symphony orchestras as a bassoonist throughout the U.S. and Europe. He served on the board of Friends of Chamber Music in Troy.

Mel also mentored young musicians in bassoon. He was an avid bassoon collector and reed-maker. He was a member of the guitar group "Alta Rockers," in Naples. Mel was a lifelong active member of the Jewish community with memberships at Congregation Beth Shalom in Clifton Park and Temple Shalom in Naples. He was also a bar and bat mitzvah tutor.

Mel was blessed with a large community of friends and family who loved him dearly. He was a haftorah/torah chanter, Hadassah associate and member of Northeastern New York and Naples Jewish Federations. Mel enjoyed racquetball, music, woodwork and spending time with his friends and family and will be remembered for his wry sense of humor. He was witty and humble and a true "mensch."

In addition to his wife Joyce, he is survived by his children, Joshua (Libby) Toub from Menlo Park, Calif., Julia Toub of Portland, Ore. and David Toub of Austin, Texas. Grandfather, "Poppy," of Avi Toub, Eitan Toub, Zev Toub, all residing in Menlo Park. He also leaves a sister, Arlene Toub; and cousin, Ronnie (Jim) Stowell. Uncle of Levi Susman, Yisrael Susman, Rabbi Baruch Susman, Eli Silverstein, Gavi Silverstein, Adam and Tobias Silverstein, Basha Goldstein, Pessy Spadone, Chaya Mushka Spadone, Zeissa Chana Spadone, Dalya Silverstein and Jalna Silverstein. Scholarship funds will be established at the Glickman Popkin Bassoon Camp and Bennington Chamber Music Conference.

Please contact Joyce Toub at joyt211639@aol.com for further inquiries.