Robert F. Hoffman *58

Robert F. Hoffman died Nov. 7, 2006, at home in Medford, N.J., after a valiant fight against cancer. He was 71.

A dedicated Princeton alumnus, he was regarded as one of the nicest and most thoughtful of graduates — dependable, upbeat, and always helpful.

Valedictorian of Riverside (N.J.) High School, Hoffman received a bachelor's from Drexel University in 1957, a master's from Princeton in 1958, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1967 — all in chemical engineering. Continuing his academic research in the thermodynamics of polymers, Hoffman worked for 40 years with Thiokol Corp. Applications of his research led to sealants for aircraft, boats, and the home, among other products. One of his two U.S. patents was for a rocket propellant used in moon landings. He later worked for ICI Americas Inc., where he also became involved in environmental-safety research on polyurethane products.

Hoffman was not only an officer and executive committee member of the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni, but also was an Alumni Council executive committee member. He attended almost 50 Princeton events in the last decade.

Until her death two years ago, he had been married to his wife, Betty, for 44 years.

He is survived by two children and two grandchildren.