Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kurt Nassau Obituary
DR. KURT NASSAU
AGE: 83 LEBANON
Dr. Kurt Nassau, 83, died December 18, 2010. Born in Austria in 1927, he was able to escape to England before the Nazi occupation of that country. Dr. Nassau attended grammar school and university in England before coming to the United States. He served in the army as a medical researcher at Walter Reed hospital, and then earned a Ph. D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Nassau joined Bell Laboratories in 1959 where he earned a world wide reputation for his research in crystal growth and structure. He also became a leading expert in the fields of colors in crystals and in mineralogy. He published over 450 articles in peer reviewed journals and held 17 patents. Because of his expertise in color, he was invited to be a member of the committee to redesign the currency in 1991-2. Dr Nassau wrote eight books, covering topics such as crystal growth and color in crystals. One book was devoted exclusively to the topic of color. He also authored the chapter on color for the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Dr. Nassau is predeceased by his wife, Julia.
Graveside Services will be 1pm Wednesday at Temple Sholom Cemetery in Bridgewater. Arrangements by the Bruce C. VanArsdale Funeral Home, 111 N. Gaston Ave., Somerville 908-725-3111. To send condolences to the family, visit www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kurt Nassau
Gail Brett Levine, GG
December 15, 2020
I am sure that you and Howard are comparing notes on color science and other gemological topics. It was wonderful witnessing the mutual respect as friends and professional colleagues. You both shared a sly sense of humor aimed at life, growing older and the future. I miss you two.
vikas joshi , AJP , FGA
January 18, 2011
Dr. Nassau's contribution will be remembered forever. It was my dream to c him once but .......... ::
Dr. Jayshree Panjikar, FGA
January 18, 2011
I met Dr.Kurt Nassau at the 1999 GIA Symposium where I had asked him whether it would be possible to do diffusion treatment in low quality Chrysoberyls to get the enhanced color-changing effect, his answer was "...leave some gemstones alone!" I humbly bow down to the great soul!
Bobby Mann
January 14, 2011
Kurt will be missed by all in the gemological community especiallly by his friends at the DC GIA Alumni Chapter, President, Bobby Mann
January 4, 2011
Dr. Nassau thank you for the great contribution about the cause of color in your book The Physics and Chemistry of Color.
Warli Latumena FGA
Danusia Niklewicz, GG, FGA
January 3, 2011
Thank you, Dr. Nassau. We are all better gemologists and appraisers because of your tireless contributions to the field of gemology. Your life is truly appreciated and sorely missed.
January 3, 2011
Howard and I are saddened of Kurt's passing. We spent many hours deep in conversation on various topics gemological. He was a true renaissance man - stained glass, cooking, hydroponic gardening - and he was incredibly well read, appreciating the nuances of social and political situations. Kurt had such a restless intellect.
He had a lot to give and he gave selflessly ... to all.
Gail Brett Levine & Howard Rubin
Carole Richbourg
January 3, 2011
I own almost every book Dr. Nassau ever wrote, and often refer to them in my appraisal practice. He will be missed.
Williiam Reed
December 21, 2010
Kurt was an outstanding scientist and a good friend. He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Kurt Nassau's name
Memorial Events
for Kurt Nassau
How to support Kurt's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kurt Nassau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
