Andrew George Bachmann

BACHMANN, Andrew George, 68, inventor, entrepreneur and business leader, died on September 15, 2008, at the Riverside Regional Hospital in Newport News, Va. Founder and Chairman of the Dymax Corporation, Andy's adhesive inventions and successful marketing led to the creation and development of products used in the manufacture of medical, electronic, automotive, aerospace and consumer products. His adhesives changed the way many of the items used daily are manufactured, helping companies to become "green" manufacturers and to become more competitive in the global market place. Dymax is a global company based in Torrington, Conn., with offices in Frankfurt, Germany, and Shenzhen, P.R.C. Andy has received a number of honors for his entrepreneurial activities including being recognized as the "Executive of the Year" by the Commercial Development Association and the University of Connecticut's Family Business Award for the outstanding Connecticut Company in 2006. He is the holder of over 30 patents. Andy is survived by his wife, Jane "Clai" Bachmann; two sons, A. Gregory and Brian O'Neal; four grandchildren, Sage, Connor, Bryn and Ilyana Bachmann; his father, Andrew John Bachmann; and brothers, John A. and Edward H. Bachmann. Originally a native of Newport News, Andy attended St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Hilton Elementary School, and later, Warwick High School. He received his B.S. and an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Richmond. After pursuing further graduate studies at the Medical College of Virginia in Medicinal Chemistry, Andy worked on pharmaceuticals at Smith Kline and French in Philadelphia, and later, surgical adhesives at the Ethicon Division of Johnson and Johnson in Summerville, N.J. Andy pursued further research in adhesives at the Loctite Corporation in Connecticut. Andy received his M.B.A. from the University of Hartford. Having retired as CEO of Dymax in 2006, Andy moved with Clai to the Williamsburg area where the couple enjoyed their new home, as well as their condo in Litchfield, Conn. Andy and Clai are members of Bruton Parish Church. The family will receive visitors Thursday, September 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Rd., in Newport News, Va. 23606. The funeral service will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newport News on Friday, September 19, at 1 p.m. Interment will be in the Williamsburg Memorial Park, 130 King William Dr., Williamsburg, Va. 23188. There will be a memorial service in Litchfield, Conn., the following Thursday, September 25, at St. Michaels Episcopal Church, on South Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Junior Republic, 550 Goshen Rd., Litchfield, Conn. 06759; www.ctjuniorrepublic.org. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.