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Leo Paquette Obituary
1934 - 2019
Dr. Leo A. Paquette, PhD, 84, of Columbus, Ohio, born in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 15, 1934, passed away on January 21, 2019 after a prolonged, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Leo was Professor Emeritus of Organic Chemistry at The Ohio State University. He received his B.S. degree from Holy Cross College in 1956 and his PhD is Organic Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959. He joined the faculty at the Ohio State University in 1963, after serving as a Research Associate at the Upjohn Company. Leo was a member of the National Academy of Sciences since 1984, and a visiting professor at institutions across the United States and Europe. He served as an advisor for committees of the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation, and has been a member of the editorial board of numerous publications. Leo's other honors include Sloan Fellow, Guggenheim Fellow, and ACS Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, just to name a few. Leo's prolific career has resulted in remarkable contributions to numerous areas in the broad field of organic chemistry, as evidenced by his authoring of more than 1200 papers, 38 book chapters, and 17 books. In the field of hydrocarbon chemistry, Dr. Paquette is best known for achieving the first total synthesis of the Platonic solid dodecahedrane in 1982, which still stands as one of the landmark achievements in the history of organic synthesis and hydrocarbon chemistry. In addition to his career, he enjoyed vacationing with his family, outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the country property. He also enjoyed playing softball and table tennis with his students. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Estelle; and his five children, Dr. Ronald (Anne) Paquette, Donna (John) Swartz, Susan (Dr. Joseph) Thomas, Linda (Craig) Wallace and Lisa Paquette; as well as 13 grandchildren, Isabelle Paquette, Camille Paquette, John (Kristen) Swartz, Matthew Swartz, Father Daniel Swartz, Maria Swartz, Joseph (Sarah) Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Andrea Thomas, Maria (Tim) Harrigan, Samantha (Dan) Sharpe, Jennifer Wallace and Andrew Wallace; and five great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Armand and Clarice, and survived by his brothers, Roland and Francis (Aura); and his sister, Lorraine Willey; and many nieces and nephews. Thanks to our wonderful, supportive family, to all the caregivers from Always Neighbors, and nurses LaDonna Smith and Melissa Burton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Timothy Church, OhioHealth Hospice, Parkinson's Foundation Ohio or the Paquette Faculty Research Fund at The Ohio State University. Family will receive friends at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road, on Friday, January 25, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. with prayer service at 7:45 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at St. Timothy Church, with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. To sign Leo's online guest book please visit www.schoedinger.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leo Paquette
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
Richard Torchia
March 1, 2019
It is with great sorrow that I belatedly learn of the passing of Professor Paquette. He was both a gentleman and an eminent, inspiring scholar.I fondly remember his undergraduate course in organic chemistry at Ohio State in the fall of 1973. My condolences to Professor Paquette's family.
Jesus Ezquerra
February 4, 2019
I am really sad by Leo (Doc) dead. Besides his scientific caliber he was a wonderfully person and he had a big influence in my career. Doing a postdoctoral with Leo was one of the best decisions I have made.
My condolences to all his family
Jesus Ezquerra
Liladhar Waykole
February 4, 2019
Paquette family: So sorry to know heartbreaking sad news of Leo's loss. He was our mentor and inspiring leader. We will miss him forever. God bless him and family.
Liladhar Waykole and family
Rob Camp
February 2, 2019
Paquette family-
So sorry to hear of your loss. Wish I had known of his passing earlier. Many memories from Amberly Place. On behalf of all the Camp family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 27, 2019
I was heartbroken by the sad news. Leo's research inspired me for the beginning of my scientific career.
Working with him meant a great honor for me. The time in the Paquette group remains strongly in my mind and it will last for eternity.
My thoughts are with Estelle and her family.
Max Schulze, Munich, Germany
Louis Barriault
January 26, 2019
Leo was a great chemist and mentor. I had been fortunate to join his group as a post-doc (1997/99). Doc had a profound influence on my career and I will never forget my time in his group at OSU. My sincere condolences to Estelle and the Paquette family. Bon courage in these difficult moments
Mike Grant
January 26, 2019
Sue and Linda - so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. As you may recall, my father was a text book representative and called on your father frequently at Ohio State. My father always had such great admiration for him. He was an amazing and accomplished man. My sincere condolences.
Thomas Vogel
January 25, 2019
Prayers and profound condolences.
Darina and Tom Vogel MD, PhD HC'55
Wolfgang Barth
January 25, 2019
It is hard to believe that Leo is not with us anymore. I spent my post-doc time with him and his team in 1983/84. Leo was one of the most inspiring, dynamic and supportive people I ever met during my entire career. And he was one of the greatest organic chemists of his time. I am proud having worked under him. I express my deepest and sincere condolences to Estelle and the Paquette family. I will never forget my time at the OSU with Leo and his team.
Wolfgang Barth (Germany)
Neil Pegg
January 25, 2019
Our condolences to Estelle and family. Leo was someone who truly changed many lives. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Neil and Julie Pegg
Yang Hu
January 25, 2019
It was such a great loss for the chemistry community. Thank you, Doc, for what you have done to the science and the next generation of chemists. Great condolence to Estelle and the family!
January 25, 2019
My condolences to Estelle and the rest of the Paquette family. Personally, Doc had an immense impact on my career and my outlook on life. I will never forget his sense of humor, to this day I still can't figure it out but I know I spent the better part of 5 years trying to make him laugh.
Matthew Bedore (PhD '08)
January 24, 2019
Professor Paquette was an excellent role model on the Ohio State campus. He will be missed.
Our condolences to the family.
Popat , Betty Patil and family.
January 24, 2019
Leo was a great chemist, scholar, teacher, colleague and mentor to his students. He will be missed by many. My condolences to Estelle and the Paquette family.
David J. Hart
Tim Lowinger (PD 91-93)
January 24, 2019
My deepest and sincere condolences to Estelle and the entire Paquette family. Leo touched so many lives and had a tremendous impact in the chemistry field. In addition to his immense individual accomplishments and contributions to science, he trained so many people who also helped perpetuate his legacy. It was a pleasure and an honour to study under Leo, and I learned a lot more from him beyond organic chemistry. A gentleman and a scholar in the truest meaning of the terms. Thank you Doc - your legacy will live on and on.
January 24, 2019
My condolences to Estelle and the rest of Leo's family. His lectures on heterocyclic and natural products chemistry were absolutely riveting and done on a chalkboard. Leo took care of his graduate students, giving advice, encouraging us and helping us find career opportunities. He was a good person and one of the most dynamic people I have ever met. Rest in peace Leo.
Malcolm Scott
Cate Stewart
January 24, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Estelle and family. The impact that Doc made on chemistry is matched only by the impact he made on so many lives. His unique approach to synthesis and writing will be missed, as will he, as mentor and friend. His standards and expectations will remain a driving force of inspirationin science, life, and softball.
Donald Tong
January 24, 2019
Hi Leo, family and friends, To the Professor: Thanks for always being transparent with me so that I could do my job in supporting you. May the Lord of Hosts, even His son Jesus Christ (name and title) bless you in His grace. We only know a shadow of what He has let us discover - when matter became a matter of fact! May God's mercy shine on you. See you again, someday, Sir - "Doctor" Tong
January 23, 2019
Professor Leo paquette was a wonderful mentor for all of us who shared a time in his lab. Every moment I spent with Doc during my Ph.D program was a precious gift to me. We lost a true chemist but his legacy will last long in the future.
With our deepest condolences to the rest of his family.
Ho-Jung Kang, Seoul, Korea
January 23, 2019
Our condolences to Estelle and the family. We both are so lucky to together have our productive time in Leo's lab and share our delightful memories at OSU. His enthusiastic teaching and elegant syntheses are truly legendary. He will be deeply missed.
Fang-Tsao Hong and Hui-Ling Wang
Thousand Oaks, CA
January 23, 2019
Our deepest sympathy with love. Jim and Aline
Ho Yin (Bob) Lo
January 23, 2019
It is a great sadness to know Doc has left us. You are a great scientist, and more importantly a great teacher and mentor to me. Even though I was there only for 2 short years in OSU, under your guidance and encouragement, I become the person I am now. I will always remember your words, your philosophy and carry them with me throughout my lives.
Rest in Peace, Doc.
Zhuang Su
January 23, 2019
Professor Leo Paquette (Doc) will be living in our heart forever, and his inspiration will be with us forever.
With our warm condolences to Estelle and the family.
Bruce Bursten
January 23, 2019
Leo was a wonderful colleague and friend during the 25 years that we shared together at Ohio State. Chemistry has lost a giant. Heartfelt condolences to Estelle and the rest of Leo's family.
Jeremy Pettigrew
January 23, 2019
My time with Leo (Doc) from 2006-2009 were some of my greatest years. His influence on me and the entire chemistry world is impossible to put into words and will continue for years to come. My condolences to the entire family.
With a heavy heart,
John Malpass
January 23, 2019
Leo was a great scientist, motivator, and friend. He changed our lives. Our thoughts are with his exceptional wife, Estelle, and his whole family.
John and Pat Malpass.
ALLEN KRASKA
January 23, 2019
My deepest sympathies to his family. Back in 1971 he read my thesis and was the most important person responsible for how my career began. He was a great chemist, but more importantly a mentor to all who were honored to cross his path.
Michael Webb
January 23, 2019
I am so sorry to learn of Leo's passing.I pray that your family is o.k. during this difficult time.
Marita King & Jim Hofferberth
January 23, 2019
Our condolences to Estelle and the family. Leo was a great man and a treasured colleague. He will be missed.
Dmitri Pissarnitski
January 23, 2019
Leo Paquette was a father figure to so many talented students and postdocs arriving to Columbus from overseas, whom he put on the right path to pursue their own American Dream.
Ashok Sharma
January 23, 2019
A great teacher, mentor and a superb scientist who influenced many many careers. God bless him and his family. His memories will remain forever with us.
Heiner Jendralla
January 23, 2019
We lost a great scientist, in my perspective one of the very best. As important, we lost a person who had the rare ability to strongly motivate and integrate co-workers of diverse cultures and countries, to let them feel home. The time in his labs, but also the grill parties with Leo, Estelle and the group members, at the veranda of his house or by the Olentangy River, will always belong to the precious memories of my life.
Heiner Jendralla (Dr.rer.nat.habil., Germany)
January 23, 2019
His lecture on the synthesis of dodecahedrane was one of the great moments of my life.
E. J. Behrman
Steven Ley
January 23, 2019
Our condolences to Estelle and the family. Leo was such an inspiration to us all.
Steve and Rose Ley
René Grée
January 23, 2019
My condolences to the family. I never forgot the wonderful time of post-doc at OSU with Leo.
Zhongli Gao
January 22, 2019
It really saddened me when I heard the devastating news. Prof. Paquette will be living in my heart forever as a great human being, a mentor who nourished my interests and career, a master who taught me the art of organic synthesis. My thoughts and prayers are with his personal and scientific family.
January 22, 2019
My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories of your loved one comfort you until the God of love promises are fulfilled. 1 Thessalonians 4:13,14
Peter Wipf
January 22, 2019
I will always admire Prof. Paquette's leadership and his efficiency - both in tackling complex synthetic problems as well as in monumental publishing projects. My warm condolences go out to his personal and scientific family. We will always remember him.
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