Edward Bernard Cornelius ’40 *41

Retired chemical engineer Ed Cornelius died on Sept. 13, 1999, after living in Sarasota, Fla., for the past 10 years. His interest in research on catalysts and catalytic processes was stimulated during his undergraduate and graduate years at Princeton, where he roomed with Dick Vanderbeck.

In 1941 Ed went to work to find practical ways to use catalytic processes to produce more and better aviation gasoline. After the war he was involved in research and development projects at Houdry and Air Products and later with Matthey Bishop in precious metals catalysis. He wound up his career in Kentucky coordinating heavy stocks cracking catalysts research at Ashland Oil.

In his 50th year report to the class, Ed wrote, "I always enjoyed the challenge of finding better catalysts and better ways for them to perform." Over a period of 45 years there were a great number of in-house reports and technical publications, and a total of 30 US and 40 foreign patents issued in his name. Ed's retirement years were marked by travel, biking, and photography.

Ed is survived by a daughter, Nancy, an electrical engineer and son Jeffrey, a chemistry professor at Principia College, and two grandchildren. To the entire family the class extends its sympathy.

The Class of 1940