Dr. Frederick J. Karol

1933 - 2018

Dr. Frederick J. Karol

Lakewood - Fred Karol, who won the 1989 Perkin Medal for outstanding achievement in applied chemistry, died last Sunday (December 16) at age 85. Dr. Karol's catalysis research and his contributions to the development of a process for making polyethylene products helped revolutionize the chemical industry.

Dr. Karol was born in 1933 in Norton, Massachusetts. Following an early interest in chemistry, he enrolled at Boston University and graduated with a B.S. in chemistry. He later entered a graduate program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Dr. Karol worked as a senior research scientist at Union Carbide and retired as a senior corporate fellow in 2000.

Dr. Karol received numerous awards and commendations for his contributions to the industry. In addition to receiving the Perkin Medal - the highest honor for outstanding work in applied chemistry in the United States, Dr. Karol was also honored with the Thomas Edison Award of New Jersey in 1982; the American Institute of Chemists Chemical Pioneer Award in 1988; the Conley Award for Plastics/Engineering Technology in 1989; the Society of Plastics Engineers International Award in 1990; and the American Chemical Society Award for Creative Invention in 1991. Dr. Karol was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 1992, the National Academy of Engineering in 1992, and the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997. He holds over 120 U.S. Patents and has had hundreds of articles published in professional journals during his distinguished career.

Dr. Karol was a U.S. Army veteran, having served his country from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War. He is the son of John and Valeria Karol, and was married to his beloved late Ruth for 52 years. He is survived by his three children, Mark and his wife Roxanne, Donald and his wife Heidi, and Cindy. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Robert, Kevin, Rebecca, Simone, Sean, Skylar, Sheridan, Celia, Michael, Charles, and Matthew, great-grandson, Bobby, and sister Frances Ouellette. He is predeceased by his grandson Spencer who was killed in action during the Iraq war in 2003.

Dr. Karol lived his retirement years in a golf community in Lakewood, NJ where he created many enduring friendships and memories. A great source of pride was his "hole in one" that he achieved amongst his golfing buddies.

Most important in his life was the happiness and well-being of his family. His heart was even bigger than his impressive intelligence. There will be a memorial celebration in the New Year, date to be announced. Contributions in memory of Fred Karol can be made as a tribute gift to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org/campaign.