Rustum Roy Obituary

Rustum Roy July 3, 1924 - August 26, 2010 Rustum Roy, 86, of State College, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at Foxdale Village. Born on July 3, 1924, in Ranchi, India, he was the seventh child of the late Narendra Kumar and Rajkumari Roy. On June 8, 1948, he married Della Martin, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Neill R. Roy and his wife, Evelina Francis, of State College, Jeremy R. Roy and his wife, Lydia, of Arlington, Texas, and Ronnen A. Roy and his wife, Sinaly, of Bethesda, Md.; two grandchildren, Simone and Naren; a brother, Prodipto Roy, of India, and a sister Ioni Dipti Sisodia, of Georgia; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He received B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Patna University and received his Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University. He was associated with Penn State for sixty-five years as a graduate student and faculty member. At Penn State he held positions as Evan Pugh Professor of the Solid State, as Professor of S.T.S., and as Professor of Geochemistry. He also was a Distinguished Professor of Materials at Arizona State University, and a Visiting Professor of Medicine at the University of Arizona. He was appointed and served for 23 years as the first director of an independent interdisciplinary Materials Research Laboratory in the U.S. He was elected to numerous national and international scientific academies including the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. He co-founded the pioneering nterdisciplinary scientific society - the Materials Research Society- and continued to advance the boundaries of science and technology up to the present, including seminal research in the emerging field of water science, as well as resonance effects in condensed matter. An outstanding aspect of his life was his capacity and dedication to breaking artificial boundaries in order to integrate science, religion, education, health, art and social action for human benefit. As an eight year old, in his parent's house he met Gandhi, who discussed with his father how personal change was more effective for human advancement than technological change. Professor Roy's solution in life was to pursue both. He was very active in ecumenical religious life for over 60 years and co-founded the interdenominational Sycamore Community. His insight into the world's main religions led him to work to break down the boundaries between Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and other religions. He served on the Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches, was a leader in the Kirkridge retreat center, and was the friend and colleague of many religious leaders including Bishop John Robinson, John Shelby Spong, Prof. Harvey Cox, Sister Joan Chittister and Reverend Gordon Cosby. He was also invited by the Pope to the Vatican committee regarding the rehabilitation of Galileo. He was a champion of interdisciplinary K-12 schooling and was the driving force behind creation of the interdisciplinary field of Science, Technology and Society. He served as Science Advisor to a number of successive Pennsylvania Governors and chaired for many years the Science and Society Sector of President Mikhail Gorbachev's State of the World forum. Professor Roy became a champion of integrative medicine, resulting in alliances with pioneering figures including Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Larry Dossey, B.M. Hegde, Marc Newkirk, Patrick Flanagan, Hans Peter Duerr, Vladimir Voeikov, and Yan Xin, with the purpose of bringing advances in the art and science of whole person healing to the wider public. He was founder and sponsor of Friends of Health, served as co-chair of the Chopra Foundation, and hosted a live Internet talk radio show on VoiceAmerica.com. He was also a long time promoter of art and the field of art and science, and was responsible for bringing the works of artists, such as Barbara Hepworth, Max Bill, and Fredrick Franck, to the University. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29, at the University Baptist and Brethren Church, 411 S. Burrowes Street, State College. Burial will follow in Graysville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Health, 528 S. Pugh Street, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Aug. 28, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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I send Love to Rusty's beautiful wife and family. He made such an impact on so many lives. He always wanted to know more. He loved research and sharing his knowledge with others. He brightened up the room with his laugh and his smile. He is missed very much. May we all be together some day to celebrate.

Sherry Lund

Friend

August 22, 2022

Over 25 years have passed since I sat in your class Professor Roy and still I can see and hear you. Changed form yes but still as alive today as ever. Even still my heart aches however for your close family as I have learned recently the enormity of the sense of loss that comes when a man like you from one's own nuclear family comes to pass. You were joined by my father this past November. One of the last thoughts he gave me to ponder was the one he presented to me and all his children when young. "Where does the white go when the snow melts?" Perhaps the two of you can work out the model answer and one day in the far off future when we are together again I can be further enlightened.

Christopher Bradley

Student

August 22, 2020

Generosity in ppproviiding good specimens, equipments, opportunities .... Unselfish and not pretentious

C Chan

December 12, 2017

I was a student of Dr. Roy's way back in 1986, minoring in S.T.S. He brought to my attention the looming crisis of HIV and AIDS of which I knew nothing. He was able to beautifully motivate or ignite an interest in this seemingly esoteric problem along with many others without ever sounding apocalyptic or defeatist. From time to time something triggers me to think of Rustum Roy and how he, along with a few other professors, had such a lasting impact on my view of the world and how I contemplate making a difference. Today was one of those days and I took it a step further by searching the web. That led me here.

Blaise Santianni

February 9, 2017

You are still here,...as long as we remember you. Thinking of you Rustum. Thank you for everything you did for me.

Sheila Yeary

November 16, 2013

Some of us leave State College, PA. Penn State goes with us when we leave. Professor Roy has been with me every day since I last left his classroom. His light has been a seminal force in my life. Pure light and goodness. Thank you Professor Roy.

Christopher Bradley

December 19, 2012

I've listen to his great man on the property of water and I wish I had the opportunity to meet him..May god bless his family....

charles january

August 7, 2011

Reading this brought fond memories to my heart and tears to my eyes. What a great picture of Rustum.... My sincere condolences to Della, Ron, Jeremy and Neill. God Bless you all.

Sheila Yeary

February 15, 2011

My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Rustum Roy. May all rest secure in the assurance that Rustum will live on through those lives he has touched in all so many ways. He was a friend.

Karen Ann Schmid

January 26, 2011

"Know this: Atman(Soul), Unborn, Undying,
Never Ceasing, Never Beginning,
Deathless, Birthless, Unchanged for ever,
How can it die the death of the body?"

RIP

A Paulite

November 20, 2010

I am so sad to hear of Mr. Rustum Roy's passing. I had the pleasure of joining him with several other scientists for lunch. I do not know anything about science myself but after the lunch I was left feeling that this man was wonderful and special and I never forgot him. I am so sad to hear of this news.

Bianca Sacco

October 19, 2010

Patti Green

October 1, 2010

How I feel about Rustum - my book collaborator, my spiritual mentor, my friend...I told him many times. Our sharing was beautiful - deeply personal. How blessed I am.

How I feel about his passing is a deep, kind of stunned feeling in my core...as I just found out. less than ten minutes ago. Because I knew he was nearing the end of his heroic journey, I'm not that surprised. The most profound sense my heart feels is how the ripple effects of Rusty's vast and deep legacy (rooted in love for all mankind)will vigorously continue to help all of us to evolve into more compassionate beings.

How I feel for you, dear Della and family - is deep symapthy and sadness. For I know this (your) most amazing and wonderful man will be greatly missed.

Love to all,

Tom Newnam

Thomas Newnam

September 28, 2010

The generosity of time and spirit that informed the nature of Rustum was his gift to the National Center for Homeopathy. His brilliant understanding of quantum physics and it's relationship to homeopathy was the lynchpin to a groundbreaking presentation before the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. His research spoke for itself and Rustum stood firmly beside it. We all are deeply indebted to him for his service. May God's abiding love sustain his family.
Dr. Nancy Gahles
President
National Center for Homeopathy

September 20, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Rustum's passing, he was and remains a true friend.
I offer my condolences to his family.
I wish he could have had longer and feel great loss today, but it is worth remembering how much he has accomplished in his work and bringing people together. He was always so full of energy and I was lucky to be involved with some of his projects.
Since I met him at the end of the 90's I have come to regarded him as one of
the few close friends I have in the scientific community with a broad understanding of the new science and its implications. Things he was willing to stand up for and bring to others.

David Robertson

September 12, 2010

Dear Della and Family,

In life we are sometimes fortunate to meet and work with people that are ahead of the times we live in. Rusty was just that. The time that we spent at State College and in Arizona along with the hours on end on the telephone with Rusty are memories that I will always cherish. I can't wait to see him when God keeps his promise. Just as Jesus resurrected his dear friend Lazarus, his father will resurrect Rusty. There will be a new system soon and as in Revelation 21 3:4, With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

with kindest regards and our deepest sympathies

Scott Ty and Maria Cobb

Scott Ty Cobb

September 9, 2010

Blessings to the family of this beautiful man, whose inspiration and love for mankind will live on. Privileged to know your wonderful Rusty. May he rest in peace.

Camilla Rees

September 3, 2010

Dear Della,
We will miss our friend! We will celebrate his life and the friendship we had with him. He will forever be with us as we work to accomplish the missions and visions that we shared. He has touched our lives so deeply.
May God be with you and help you through this time of loss.

Our love to you and your family,
Bill and Sherry Lund

Sherry Lund

September 3, 2010

Rustum Roy remains a most treasured mentor and light shining in many lives around the world. He tirelessly reached out across all walks of life. His steady inspiration cultivated advanced possibilities and technologies through integrated, interdisciplinary learning and collaborations. May he remain ever present in our hearts, thoughts, and actions, as his work continues.
With deep gratitude,

Heather McKinney

September 1, 2010

Rustum Roy was a heroic figure in my memories. I knew him primarily with connections to my parents, Brooks and Violet McLane dating from my time growing up in State College. In more recent years, upon my return to the State College area, I always looked forward to his editorials in the CDT. I only recently became aware of his being 'branded' a 'contrarian' but I think he would have been proud of that label. He was a brilliant academician but also an inspiring social healer.
Dr. Rogers McLane (Stormstown, PA)

Rogers McLane

August 31, 2010

Rest in Peace my friend-- you were an unswerving champion of justice!

Jim Stewart

August 30, 2010

We had a lot of respect for Rustum and expect that his many works will go on as his legacy - a beautiful legacy and may God bless and prosper it. And, Della, may God be with you in your grieving and give you hope for the future.

Wendell & Jane Sprague

August 30, 2010

Dear Della,

I'll always remember our bumpiest flight across the lake from Erie to Toronto, and your unflappable calm when you bid me goodbye as you disembarked.

We can't be there on Sunday, but hope to convvene a small gathering of support sometime soon, with the Snowdons and the Taylors, and any others we can muster.

Courage! We love you.

Richard and Petra

Richard & Petra Hepburn

August 29, 2010

Our deepest sympathies go out to Della and the family! We not only regarded Rustum as a brilliant Scientist, but also as a good friend. We will miss him greatly! James and Amanda (California)

Amanda W

August 28, 2010

I knew Professor Roy for over 35 years, when I worked in the laser labs at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC., and at the Applied Research Laboratory, Penn State. He practiced two traits which endeared him to me and many others: first, he remembered the name of every student, technician and engineer who worked on a project with him; second, he thanked every one of them for their efforts at the end of every day. We all knew he was one of the foremost scientists in the world, and he made a personal effort to acknowledge us. This was a very special man on so many levels.

Jim McDermott

August 28, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Dee Baumgardner

August 28, 2010

Dear Della and Family,

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of Rustum. I am sure you will miss him terribly as will many people. God bless you and keep you. Mike and MaryJane Coleman

MaryJane Coleman

August 28, 2010

We send our deepest sympathy to Della, to Rustum's family and all those who love him. We will always remember Rustum as a friend and inspired teacher.

Betty and Bob Fleming

August 28, 2010

Della, the family, and dear Phoebe,
Such an incredibly brilliant man contributed and opened doors in this world that are incomparable and priceless. He understood. He will be truly missed yet please find comfort in knowing that his journey continues.

You are in my heart and prayers.

Cindy Harrison McFadden

August 28, 2010

What’s of time is left to that of time
What’s not of time has gone into the timeless

Here, there’s everything but no that, from here
I send you blessings to boldly go on evolution ordained!

So I hear you say!

Mahesh Bhardwaj

August 28, 2010

Sincere sympathy to Della and Dr. Roy's family. The world lost a great scientist, but they and his many friends and colleagues lost a dear friend. May he rest in peace.

Sr. Rita Yeasted

August 28, 2010

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