Victor J. Mizel, a longtime Carnegie Mellon University mathematics professor and a founding member of Pittsburgh's only Reconstructionist (Jewish) congregation, died yesterday of a heart problem, his family said. The Squirrel Hill resident was 74.

A New York City native, Mr. Mizel taught at Carnegie Mellon for 46 years, lectured globally and co-authored a textbook early in his career dealing with linear algebra. Over time, he became what one math department colleague called "the department's memory."

They spoke of his broad knowledge of the discipline and his passion for the classroom, but also how he integrated his personal faith into his dealings with others.

"I think he will be remembered mainly for the kind of human being that he was. If I had a problem, say an ethical problem, he was the person of first choice to give advice," said Juan Schaffer, a mathematics professor who planned to co-teach a course with Mr. Mizel this fall.

In recent years, Mr. Mizel's research focused on mathematical analysis of elasticity, said Walter Noll, a professor emeritus at Carnegie Mellon and close friend. "He was a passionate mathematician right from the beginning," Noll said.

Victor Julius Mizel was born Feb. 13, 1931. His parents, Harry and Manya Mizel, were Jewish immigrants to the United States from Eastern Europe. His family moved to Washington, D.C., when Victor was 8 months old.

He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a degree in physics in 1952 and in 1955 received a doctorate from MIT in mathematics. In 1959, he began teaching at Carnegie Institute of Technology.

Mr. Mizel and his wife, the former Phyllis Selma Shulman, were married in 1954. They were founding members of Dor Hadash, Pittsburgh's only reconstructionist (Jewish) congregation, in 1963. He served on its board and was active in the community.

Mr. Mizel found himself in the news in July after his car strayed onto railroad tracks near Panther Hollow and caught fire. Apparently disoriented by a heart condition, he was pulled to safety by crew members of a slow-moving train that was approaching the car. He underwent double-bypass surgery and a valve replacement procedure on Aug. 16.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Mizel is survived by his daughter, Anne-Marie Nelson of Greenfield; and two grandchildren. Services will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Burton L. Hirsch Funeral Home, 2704 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. Visitation will occur one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Homewood Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Dor Hadash Religious School in care of Jim Silver, treasurer, 1321 Malvern Ave., Pittsburgh 15217.