He was born in Cambridge, MA on June 25, 1931, the son of John and Rose Ostrofsky Finstein.

His BS and MS degrees were from Cornell, and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. He was Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, where he lectured on Pollution Microbiology and Solid Waste Research and Treatment. He was an Army veteran and a member of Temple Shalom, Wheeling.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, daughters Ruth (Paul) Kern of Gulfport, FL; Rebekah (Art) Cohen of Wenonah, N.J; son Nathan of Cranston, RI; stepdaughters Susie (Doug) Nelson and Jennifer (Brian) Lewis of Wheeling; seven grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend visitation at Temple Shalom, 22 Bethany Pike, Wheeling from 11a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2012 with Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

At Melvin's request, memorial contributions can be made to Rutgers University, designated for the Finstein Award, c/o Peter Strom, Dept. of Environmental Science, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Rd.,New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8551.

Arrangements are by the Kepner Funeral Home, National Road at Bethany Pike, Wheeling (304-232-2732).

Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneralcom.