Melvin Tublin, a maritime lawyer for six decades, died in his home in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eileen (Wells) Tublin.

Mr Tublin was born 23 September 1927 and raised in Brooklyn, the third of four children of the late Benjamin and Rose (Low) Tublin. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York in 1949.

While at the academy, he was a cadet on merchant ships in the Pacific, South America and the Mediterranean. After graduation, he was a seagoing ships officer on the S.S. Robin Kettering in South and East Africa.

He was also a captain in the US Navy Reserves, serving for over 30 years.

He received his law degree from Georgetown Law School in 1953, and combined his passion for law and the seas in the field of admiralty law.

Approximately 60 years ago, Mr Tublin started the New York law firm Poles, Tublin, Patestides & Stratakis (now known as Poles, Tublin, Stratakis & Gonzalez LLP) as primarily an admiralty practice while also providing real estate, general commercial, and litigation services.

"He was a relentless litigator who was also known for his sense of humor," said law partner John Stratakis. "He was also a mentor to me, and meticulous in what he did."

Mr Tublin was also actively involved with the academy for six decades, serving as president of its Alumni Association from 1957 to 1961 and as a member of its board of directors.

"This association would not have existed without his 60-year involvement, dedication and passion," said James Tobin, president of US Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. "We stood on his shoulders for a long time, and we owe a lot to him."

He also taught at the academy as an adjunct professor.

He has also received numerous accolades from the school, including the Meritorious Alumni Service Award in 1964 and Outstanding Professional Achievement Award in 1984. He was also honored as Kings Pointer of the Year in 1986 and was given the Distinguished Service Award in 1997.

He served on the congressman’s selection committee for Kings Point appointees and was appointed to the Academic Advisory Board. He was also an organizer and financial supporter of the Kings Point Sailing Program.

In November 2017, Mr. Tublin was inducted into the Merchant Marine Academy Hall of Distinguished Graduates.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughters Sharon Tublin and Pamela Tublin Cook; his sister, Rita (Tublin) Blinderman; his brother, Seymour Tublin; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Millie (Tublin) Horowitz.