Mort Westman—retired cosmetic chemist and professional trumpeter—passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at home in Oak Brook, Illinois, on March 16. He was 85.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ellen Westman; daughters, Jenny Westman and Morgan Estabrook; son-in-law, Ryne Estabrook; and grandchildren, Garrett and Mona Estabrook—along with cousins, niblings, and friends. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Bert Westman and Lorraine Gordon.

Westman was born to Max and Celia Westman in the Bronx, New York, in 1939. He began playing trumpet as a boy and continued to play professionally and in the U.S. Army National Guard. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1960 and Master of Arts in organic chemistry in 1967 from the City College of New York.

Westman's 58-year career as a cosmetic chemist specializing in product research and development included roles at Clairol, American Cyanamid Company, Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association, Dow Chemical (formerly LaMaur), and Alberto-Culver. In 1995, he founded Westman Associates; as president, he consulted for several major hair and makeup brands. He also founded and later sold a company, Cosmetic Translation, focused on accurate foreign-language translations for cosmetic product labels. He is named as an inventor or co-inventor on four U.S. patents, served as an expert witness in many court cases, and was a frequent contributor to O, the Oprah Magazine.

Westman met his future wife, a fellow cosmetic chemist, through their mutual close friend, the late Betty Oberstar. Mort and Ellen Westman were married in 1977 in a ceremony at Tavern on the Green in New York's Central Park. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where their children were born and they could often be found boating on Lake Minnetonka.

In 1990, the family moved to Oak Brook, where Westman was a community leader, serving as president of the Brook Forest Community Association and president of the Helping Hand Foundation. He traveled extensively, particularly to favorite destinations in Thailand and India; tended a fine crop of cherry tomatoes each year; perfected recipes for homemade goodies like waffles and mandelbrodt; and was always in the midst of a home renovation project or several.

Westman's most treasured role was being a grandpa. He loved spending his weekends on the bleachers at Garrett's baseball games and Mona's soccer games; listening to them play piano, trumpet, and clarinet; and "kvelling" about them to anyone who crossed his path.

Those wishing to make a donation in Westman's honor may give to Helping Hand ( https://helpinghand-il.org ) or another organization of their choosing.

Arrangements entrusted to Conboy - Westchester Funeral Home. For further info: 708-562-5900.