Robert L. Goldemberg ’46

The following memorial incorporates a correction of the version published in the July 15, 2009, edition.

Robert Goldemberg died Oct. 1, 2008. His last residence was Sonora, Calif., but he lived mostly in New Jersey.

Bob began Princeton as a chemical engineering student and served in the combat infantry in Germany and the Philippines. He graduated in February 1948 and spent a year as a flutist at the Juilliard School’s music division.

Bob worked for two years as a textile chemist and then began a 45-year career as a cosmetic chemist — first at Coty Inc. and then at Shulton Inc., where at age 32, he believed he was the youngest director of research in any U.S. firm. He later worked at Lanvin-Charles of the Ritz, Van Dyk & Co., Trion Chemical Co., and founded Rakuma Laboratories. Throughout his career he was associated with many well-known consumer products.

Bob had a variety of interests. He married twice, was the president of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, founded professional and literary publications, and wrote at least two books and more than 50 technical articles. He also founded a Unitarian Fellowship and headed it for four years, played the baroque flute, and was interested in underwater photography, flying, and gliding.

Bob is survived by his first wife, Pat Pendleton; their children, Sharan, Kathleen, and David; his second wife, Rose Leiman Schiller, and her child, Lee; his longtime companion, Eva Roth; and four grandchildren.