Ulrich P. Strauss

Ulrich P. Strauss

AGE: 95 • Highland Park

Ulrich P. Strauss, 95, of Highland Park, died peacefully at home on August 7, 2015. Born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, "Ulli" earned a B.A. from Columbia and a Ph.D. from Cornell. After a post-doctoral fellowship at Yale he embarked on a teaching and research career at Rutgers in 1948. He retired in 1990. From 1965 to 1971 and 1974 to 1980 he was chair of the Rutgers Chemistry Department.

A physical chemist, his specialty was polyelectrolytes. He was particularly proud of having created "polysoaps," prefabricated soap micelles. He foresaw the use of physical chemistry in explaining biological mechanisms. Supervisor of more than 40 Ph.D. students and post-doctoral fellows, he published more than 100 research articles. His many scientific awards include a Guggenheim fellowship.

An avid bridge player, he also enjoyed tennis, hiking, playing piano, eating well, and attending concerts, opera, and theater.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and four children: Dorothy Politziner, David Strauss, Elizabeth Strauss, and Evelyn Strauss. He leaves six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Friends are welcome at his home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, August 10th, 11th, and 12th. A memorial service will take place at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund to be established in his name at Rutgers. For further information, contact the family.