H. Fritz McDuffie, a chemist who had a long career with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, died June 7, 2015, at age 98.
He graduated with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in chemistry from Emory in 1938 and 1939. In 1942, Princeton awarded him a Ph.D. in chemistry. While holding a postdoctoral biochemistry fellowship at Cornell-New York Hospital, he attended NYU Law School for a year. Then, in 1943, he joined the patent department of the Allied Chemical Co. before transferring to research. He then worked for Bristol Laboratories, where he received a patent for making penicillin derivatives.
Early in 1950, McDuffie joined the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was a group leader in the chemistry division, associate director of the reactor chemistry division, and director of the information division. He also spent two years in India representing the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
McDuffie excelled in swimming and held Tennessee state records for the 85-to-89 age group. Interested in music throughout his life, he sang in choirs wherever he resided, including the Princeton University Chapel Choir.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; and three sons. He was predeceased by one son and a brother, Bruce ’42 *47.
Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.