Irving Michael, 96, of Bedford, Massachusetts, died peacefully on June 15, 2026.

Irving was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Max and Sylvia Michael on June 28, 1929. Irv’s family moved to Washington D.C. in 1934 where Irv attended primary school and graduated from high school. He moved to Massachusetts in the early 1960s.

Irving earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from George Washington University in 1950, and a Master of Science in Physics Degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951. He continued his graduate studies as a funded Research Assistant in Nuclear Physics until he received his PhD in Nuclear Physics in 1958.

Following completion of his doctorate, Irving spent two years as a post-doctoral Research Associate at University of Wisconsin-Madison and another two years conducting nuclear physics research at the University of Notre Dame. As a lead post-doctoral researcher and engineer, Irving was instrumental in constructing the laboratory’s historic electrostatic accelerators, including the "Long Tank" used for decades of nuclear research.

After time spent at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Irv moved to Massachusetts. In 1963 he joined the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford where he worked until his retirement. Irv was the treasurer of the Hanscom Field Chapter of Sigma XI for many years. He was committed to improving worker rights and other social justice issues.

Irv and his wife Jackie shared a love of literature, the arts and travel that enriched their lives together. They enjoyed many trips across the country and abroad. In 1978 they bought a lake house and spent many happy seasons there with family and friends. Irv, Boppa to his family, was a brilliant punster. He loved to share his extensive knowledge of history, science and mathematics with his children and grandchildren. He often said that the most important thing to him was family.

Irving is survived by his children and their partners: Heather Lenz and Paul Wanta, Kimberly Lenz and Bill Stubblefield, Regan Kleber and Alan Womer, and Otto and Natasha Lenz. He leaves 5 grandchildren: John Kleber and Rachel Lyon, Otto Kleber, and Monica Kleber and Vinnie Smith, Domini Lenz, and Madeline Lenz, and 5 great grandchildren: Allison Deitner, Artemis Kleber, Abigail Kleber, and Jack and Sylvie Lyon. He leaves two nieces and a nephew: Ruth and Larry Kaplan, Dan Michael, and Laura Talcott. He leaves 5 grandnieces and nephews.

Irving was predeceased by his beloved wife Jacqueline, his parents Max and Sylvia Michael, his brother and sister-in-law Bernard and Muriel Michael, and his nephew Steven Michael.

The family is deeply grateful to the caregivers and staff at Carleton Willard Village, who became an important part of Irv’s life. Through their warm and genuine affection, they helped make his final years a time filled with comfort and connection.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Concord, Massachusetts.