Theodore Augur Koch

Theodore Augur Koch

AGE: 88 • Wilmington

Theodore Augur Koch, age 88, passed away peacefully in his home on the evening of Sept. 13, 2014, surrounded by his family. He lived a long, productive, fulfilling life, and was deeply loved by many around the world.

Born in Schenectady, NY, Ted attended St. Michael's College in Burlington, VT, later earning his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. To support himself in graduate school, Ted taught at Drexel and Villanova Universities. He met the love of his life, Anne, who was also on the teaching staff at Drexel while pursing her M.S. They married upon completion of their individual studies.

In 1952, Ted joined the DuPont Company and began working at the Experimental Station, where he spent most of his 48-year career. He was known for his creative and tenacious research approach, which often challenged conventional wisdom, while his rapid problem solving abilities expedited commercialization of new discoveries. His accomplishments were achieved by developing and mentoring highly capable teams within DuPont while eliciting collaborative input from his worldwide network of experts.

In 1988, Dr. Koch was named a DuPont Fellow, the highest professional title in the company honoring recognized leaders in their fields, as perceived by peers from within the company, the industry and the academic community. Ted also received DuPont's Lavoisier Award for Technical Excellence as an "Innovative Leader in Heterogeneous Catalysis and Process Chemistry" in 1998. Outside of DuPont, Ted was broadly recognized in academic and industrial circles as an authority on catalysis, polymer intermediates, nitrile chemistry, and hydrogenation. His external roles included serving as an adjunct Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware; program chair, president, award recipient, and ongoing member of the Catalysis Club of Philadelphia; and emeritus memberships in the North American Catalysis Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Organic Reactions Catalysis Society, and the American Chemical Society. Ted holds 29 patents, has authored 18 journal articles, coauthored the text book "Catalyst Manufacture", and penned countless invited presentations and papers.

Ted was not only legendary from a technical and commercial perspective, but was also a caring friend to all with whom he engaged. Many scientists and engineers at DuPont and in the broader community benefited from Dr. Koch's mentorship and career development advice while sharing his genuine enthusiasm for science and catalysis, in particular. He and Anne often befriended their families as well.

Ted is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne, and his 5 children and their families: Elizabeth Koch Tindall, husband Scott, and sons Conrad and Charles; James Koch, wife Janice, and daughters Andrea and Loren; Kathryn Koch Fleming and husband Bruce; Richard Koch and wife Barbara; and William Koch, wife Sandra and son Andrew, his wife Shelley.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on November 15 at the DuPont Country Club from 3:00- 5:00 PM.

Ted's memory lives on through the Theodore A. Koch Fund that will recognize and reward Delaware Valley achievements in catalysis research. Charitable donations may be made the Catalysis Club of Philadelphia, Ted Koch Fund, c/o Stephen Harris, Treasurer, Renmatix, 660 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406.

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