Lasting Memories

Theodore Jacob
Jan. 25, 1943-Aug. 22, 2016
Palo Alto, California

Theodore (Ted) Jacob passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Palo Alto on Aug. 22, 2016, following a seventh-month battle with cancer.

Born in New York City, Ted grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of California-Berkeley. After earning his doctorate in psychology from the University of Nebraska, he served as a tenured faculty member in the Departments of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Arizona. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Research Career Scientist at the Palo Alto VA Hospital and a research professor at Palo Alto University.

Ted’s research focused on the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders. Over the course of his long and successful career, he served on the editorial board of several major journals, received numerous grants, published hundreds of academic articles and mentored dozens of Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows.

He was quite a foodie -- he loved everything from Italian pastas to sushi to ice cream. Fortunately, to maintain his svelte stature, he also enjoyed running and swimming. He had a passion for politics, investments, home remodeling and volunteering for the Democratic candidates in recent elections. At the same time, he most valued spending time with his family. He always carved out time for his children, making them his most important priority, be it helping with homework, playing games, taking walks or simply being available for unconditional love and support. He was known by friends and family for his warmth, sense of humor, curiosity and interest in others.

He is survived by his wife Julie Gerhardt Jacob; three children Brian, Julie and Sophie; five grandchildren Ari, Joshua, Daniel, Lottie and Elise; and his mischievous canine companion who was by his side for the 7 months while Ted was struggling with cancer, Steinway.