Arthur S. Kesten

1934 - 2021

Dr. Arthur (Art) Sidney Kesten, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on October 31, 2021, after 87 wonderful years. Art spent his final days exactly as he would have wanted – comfortably at home, surrounded by a family he loved more than anything. He is survived by his wife, Hilda Kesten, his two daughters, Gwen and Ilene Kesten, their spouses Steven Girelli and Marianne Pemberton, and his three grandkids, Ari, Mikayla, and Austin Girelli. Art was born in the Bronx, New York in 1934. His passion and aptitude for science was clear from an early age – he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1951 before receiving a B.S. from New York University in 1955. He was then awarded a Fellowship through which he earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961. Before beginning his career, Art spent a summer working as a tennis instructor at camp, where he met Hilda, his wife of 65 years and the love of his life. He loved physical activity. Long walks, tennis, and running were treasured parts of his entire life. His career began in Pittsburgh at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory (1955-1963). He then began a 34-year career at United Technologies Research Center in Connecticut, where he held several key scientific positions including their Associate Director of Research and Director of Research Programs. In 1997, he was named by the United Technologies Research Center as its Distinguished Engineer of the Year. He received numerous other scientific awards throughout his career. His lifelong passion for science continued after retirement through his teaching and the development of a novel dehumidification system. Work on his invention continues at the company he founded, Nanocap Technologies. In this venture, he took immeasurable pride. A funeral service will be held on November 2nd, 2021.