▸ Obituaries Jonathan W. Amy Jonathan W. Amy, 93, died on Dec. 4, 2016, in West Lafayette, Ind. “Jon Amy directed the Purdue University Department of Chemistry’s Instrumentation Facility, which was later named the Jonathan W. Amy Facility for Chemical Instrumentation. This entity was formally created in the mid-1950s with a mission of fusing science and technology through collaboration and creation. The Industrial Associates Program originated in the chemistry department in the 1980s and provided a way to involve students with industry, as well as a way for industrial representatives to spend time at Purdue. Professor Amy has been a problem solver par excellence, whether the problem was one involving the local fire service or regarding the future direction of scientific research in the U.S.”—James Amy, son
Most recent title: director of instrumentation facility, department of chemistry, Purdue University Education: B.A., chemistry, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1947; Ph.D., physical chemistry, Purdue University, 1955; Honorary Doctor of Science, Purdue University, 2014 Survivors: wife, Betty; daughter, Theresa; sons, Joseph and James
Alberto Girelli Alberto Girelli, 94, died on Aug. 17, 2016, in Milan. “Alberto Girelli was a passionate chemist throughout his life. His career started in 1947 and encompassed petroleum chemistry, alternative fuels, and safety in chemical reactions. He was a professor of industrial chemistry and petrochemistry at the Universities of Pisa and Genoa. He was also an active member of the Italian Chemical Society, serving as editor. He published more than 250 papers, and wrote and edited various books on petro-
leum chemistry and encyclopedia entries. His identity card states ‘chemist.’ He will be remembered for his endless scientific curiosity, humor, and integrity.”—Daniele Girelli, son
Most recent title: head, Fuel Experimental Station, Milan Education: M.S., chemistry, University of Bari, 1946 Survivors: wife, Elvira; sons, Renato and Daniele; two grandchildren
Hans-Peter Hombach
ACS NEWS
in 1985, Ruskin pursued his lifelong interests in gardening, sailing, poetry, books, music, and cooking. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and his grandchildren, especially at the family vacation home in Chatham, Mass. Throughout his life, Ruskin brought his scientific bent to all his interests and endeavors. His last chemistry demonstration for his grandchildren, just a few months before his death, was ‘the cry of tin.’ ”— Kim Longworth, daughter
Most recent title: research chemist, DuPont
Education: B.Sc., chemistry, Southwest Hans-Peter Hombach, 73, died on Dec. 31, 2016, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. “After graduating with a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1972, Peter initially worked as a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Kohlenforschung. Soon after, he was recruited to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, followed by a professorship at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where, in the early 1980s, he became known as the ‘computer wizard.’ In the 1990s, Peter developed an interest in automation engineering. After immigrating to Canada in 1999, he founded Osorno Enterprises, a company that pioneered remote-controlled drinking water and wastewater systems for use in isolated communities.”—Sven Hombach, son
Most recent title: president, Osorno Enterprises Education: Ph.D., chemistry, University of Münster, 1972 Survivors: wife, Valentina; daughter, Irena; son, Sven; four grandchildren
Ruskin Longworth Ruskin Longworth, 88, died on March 26, 2016, in Wilmington, Del. “Ruskin worked for DuPont for 28 years in Plastics Research, specializing in ionic polymers. He authored several publications, including two book chapters on ionomers. After retiring
Essex Technical College and School of Art, 1950; Ph.D., chemistry, Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute and University of London, 1956 Survivors: wife, Joyce; daughters, Kim, Jennifer, Alys, and Monica Coyne; six grandchildren
Robert P. Ryall Robert P. Ryall, 59, died on Nov. 25, 2016, in East Stroudsburg, Pa. “Resolute, passionate, and self-effacing are a few words that best describe the essence of Bob Ryall. These traits served him well in his pioneering work with a polysaccharide-protein conjugates vaccine, resulting in Menactra for meningococcal meningitis, a top-selling vaccine for Sanofi Pasteur. He was indifferent to the vanities of the corporate world, and so Bob flourished for 27 years in the small-company atmosphere of Connaught Laboratories-turned-Sanofi Pasteur. His private life reflected his professional life, always driven to excel at whatever he was doing. He cherished the company of colleagues, friends, and family, and all were richer for having known him.”—Ralph R. Ryall, brother
Most recent title: senior director, Sanofi Pasteur
Education: B.S., chemistry, Le Moyne College, 1979; Ph.D., organic chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, 1987 Survivors: sister, Beverly; brother, Ralph
To recognize your late loved one or colleague, submit obituary information at cenm.ag/obits. MAY 8, 2017 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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