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Jeffrey Scott Beck
1962 - 2012
Jeffrey Scott Beck
1962 - 2012
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Jeffrey Beck Obituary
Jeff was born on October 23, 1962 to Irwin and Leila Beck in Brooklyn, New York. He was a vibrant ball of fire with the dedication and intellect to make an ever lasting impact in our society. He earned his doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989, true to his high school prediction. Jeff was a creative and prolific inventor, an inspirational leader, a devoted husband and friend, and a renowned scientist and engineer in his field. The loves of his life were his wife Lisa and sister Shari, game-changing innovation, art collection, and his dogs Pharaoh and Monty.
Jeff's professional career began at Mobil's Central Research Laboratory, immediately following his Ph. D. Throughout his career, Jeff made outstanding contributions to the discovery and commercialization of novel catalysts and processes for the production of key petrochemicals and clean fuels. His colleagues describe Jeff as an inspirational visionary who had the uncanny ability to see where the puck was going to be. Technologies based on Jeff's innovative and practical inventions revolutionized the production of key petrochemicals, including para-xylene (used in the production of polyester fiber and PET plastics), and the production of clean fuels, via advanced catalysts and processes. Jeff was recognized for his excellence in catalysis and materials with numerous national and international awards, including the National Academy of Engineering (one of the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer), the North American Catalysis Society's Houdry Award (accorded to the most significant contributor to industrial catalysis), the American Chemical Society's Heroes of Chemistry Award, and the International Zeolite Association's Breck Award (accorded to the most significant advance in the field of micro-and meso-porous materials). He was author of nearly 75 US patents, published prolifically, and frequently delivered invited lectures at acclaimed universities and conferences worldwide. Jeff left an indelible mark not only in research, where he led ExxonMobil's prestigious Corporate Strategic Research, but also in several assignments in the business, including Technical Manager at the Baytown Refinery, and Polyethylene Global Marketing Manager.
Though taken from this world quite too soon, Jeff's loved ones can find comfort in knowing that he lived his life fully and the way he wanted. He demanded excellence, did not sit still for mediocrity, and inspired all who were fortunate enough to come to know him. Jeff found his happiest moments spending time with his beloved wife Lisa, and his dogs Pharaoh and Monty. His family, friends, and colleagues will remember him as a remarkable individual. He has taken in his early journey a part of each of us. We feel blessed to have had him with us. Jeff is survived by his wife Lisa, parents Irwin and Leila, sister Shari, and brother Richard.
Please share sympathies, memories, and condolences online at www.mem.com http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Jeffrey-Beck&lc=2492&pid=156906165&mid=5060731&locale=en-US
In lieu of flowers, Lisa has requested that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Society, www.bestfriends.org, or any other animal rescue organization.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Diane Tortorice
August 29, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I just recently learned of it through our good friend Linda. We all knew Jeff or JB as we called him, at Binghamton. I looked through the pictures to see if there were any of him at that time in his life, but there were none. I remember him with long curly hair and a cut off jean vest, black shirt, and jeans. And most of all a smile on his face. And a twinkle in his eye. Always very sweet. I read all of his accolades and realize how brilliant he was! Such a bright light to be snuffed out at such a young age. Know that he was loved and appreciated by his college chums as well! Diane Tortorice
March 8, 2014
Jeff you will always be in our hearts . We miss you more as each day passes.You were a great husband to our daughter and a kind and caring son-in-law. Our lives will never be the same.
Uday Turaga
June 3, 2012
I first met Jeff in 2001 when I was a grad student completing an internship in his group. It did not take long for him to become a role model for me. More importantly, Jeff became a mentor to me and although we never worked together again he was always accessible, true to his word, and full of optimism and encouragement. I will miss Jeff and offer his family my sincere condolences.
Troy Campione
May 22, 2012
Wow. I am shocked and dismayed. And sad. I can't believe that I will never be able to talk to Jeff again. Jeff was fantastic in many ways, truly extraordinary, and a pleasure to work with (and joke with). It's hard not being able to say goodbye. RIP Jeff, I will miss you dearly.
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Paul Fazen
May 8, 2012
Jeff took me under his wing when I first started working in the Sneddon labs at Penn. I was his evil henchman. Jeff taught me all of my lab technique, how to keep my lab notebook, what to read, and the things that were important to get through grad school.
Jeff was also my friend. I remember him telling me stories about New York, taking me to the Deli to get lunch, and just talking about everything. Jeff would keep me up on the department gossip. It was always fun to be around Jeff.
I will never forget those times.
I will miss him a greatly.
Aunt Bonnie LaBuda
May 6, 2012
Jeff was one of the kindest most humble and giving person I will ever meet in my life. He always tried to help people with any problems they encountered never asking or expecting anything in return. He will be greatly missed by myself and my family. Lisa is in my thoughts and prayers
April 21, 2012
Dearest Lisa, my heart aches for you. The loss of your love is so difficult to endure and yet through your grievance you do draw strength from the love and caring of family and dear friends. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. I also pray for your dear Jeff's soul to be lifted up. With love & sympathy Lorraine Fedroff
Lisa Beck
April 18, 2012
There are stars that burn brighter in the sky than others. Sometimes when they burn so brightly they burn out faster…that was my Jeff. He was the brightest star in my galaxy. Jeff was my best friend, my buddy, my other half. I love you and will miss you forever...
Rob Crane
April 17, 2012
I am forever changed for having known Jeff for the past twenty-two years. Jeff was the single most influential person in my career. When we first met, he was an energetic young scientist in Mobil's Central Research Lab making some of his earliest discoveries, which would spawn a whole new field of scientific research and lead to important new industrial processes. I was an undergraduate co-op student, and Jeff's enthusiasm for his research inspired me to go to graduate school. Through graduate school and throughout my career with Mobil and then ExxonMobil, Jeff was a mentor, confidant, and friend. His leadership was truly inspirational. I am a better person for having known him all these years. I cannot believe such a talented and tremendous person is no longer with us. I will never forget him. Much love to Lisa.
Elliot Scherr
April 16, 2012
When I told people at Binghamton that I was going to Penn for my PhD they told me to look for Jeff Beck. He wasn't tough to find! Someone said, "look for the guy wearing shorts in January." Sure enough, there he was, waiting in line to buy a cheese steak at a lunch truck holding a can of Coke. I introduced myself and began a friendship that will last forever. I was getting poor grades and Jeff pulled me aside told me how to study, told me what to study, told me where to study, and enabled me to succeed. His work ethic and organizational skills were unreal. I had never seen that kind of passion for science before.
Later on, when I was preparing for my first job interview he snuck me into the Mobil Tech Center so that I could practice my "job talk" in a real conference room while he asked questions and critiqued the presentation. It didn't come easy, but I got my first job at Colgate, where I met Lisa. So, in a way, he's responsible for his own marriage.
For me, it wasn't his knowledge and helpfulness that made us friends, it was his sense of humor and hearty laugh. We had numerous adventures together in the "City of Brotherly Love", too many to mention. We used to laugh so hard tears would be streaming down our faces. He was my friend and the older brother I never had, I love him and will miss him.
Kelly Erickson
April 16, 2012
Jeff ...
It is with deep sadness that I have to say farewell to my brother-in-law. We will miss your brotherly advice, your vast knowledge, your sharp sense of humor, but mostly, we will miss you. Love always for you and Lisa.
Raf Cornelissen
April 16, 2012
Although I never had the pleasure to work with Jeff directly, I was impressed by his contagious enthousiasm whenever he was talking about things he thought of as important, like his session on sustainability during our last leadership meeting earlier this year in Houston. He had a truly fresh and enriching and perspective on business matters that was inspiring for those he worked with. It is such a loss to see him go.
My thoughts go out to his family, loved ones and the friends he had made at the office.
RJC
Lizzy Martin
April 13, 2012
Lisa,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
I am so very terribly sorry for your loss.
Shari Beck
April 13, 2012
My heart is broken but my fond memories of you will last forever. I love you my brother and I know you will always be smiling down on me and guiding me through life.
Rachel Liggett
April 13, 2012
Dear Lisa,
I'm so deepened saddened by your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Rachel
April 13, 2012
It seems just yesterday that Jeff and Lisa took me out to dinner when I was visiting NJ, and just the day before that when he and I were at commencement together for our doctoral degrees. He was a very special person, and I share the sense of loss and grief that his near and dear ones feel while feeling privileged that he touched my life.
Anjan Ray
New Delhi, India
Donna Immel
April 13, 2012
Lisa,
You have my deepest sympathy. I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's loss. I can't imagine the sadness in your heart. Please let me know what I can do.
Love and God's peace to you and all of your family and friends.
William Quintana
April 13, 2012
Lisa: My deepest condolences. Although I have not seen Jeff in many years, I am saddened by his passing. He was a true friend and I will always cherish the memories of the good times we had while at Penn.
Jason Li
April 13, 2012
Hard to believe you are not with us any more. Still remember your patience and smile showing in our talk in Houston. You are really a gentleman and good manager. May you rest in peace.
April 12, 2012
Lisa, we were so very sorry to hear of Jeff's death. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Sarita and Hugh Helferty
Gloria Moncada
April 12, 2012
Jeff was a remarkable person. His creativity, leadership, and passion were unmatched, and all of us are better people for having been a part of his life. I worked for Jeff in Baytown -- we called him the Tazmanian devil because of all his energy -- he was the best leader I have seen and he taught me how to be a better leader also. Once you were part of Jeff's team, you were "his people" forever. To Lisa, Jeff's family, and friends -- we all share your sorrow -- his time was too short and we will miss him tremendously.
Tim Antoniewicz
April 12, 2012
Lisa, I only knew Jeff from the stories that you told me. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences go out to your and your family.
Abdul Gaffar
April 12, 2012
Lisa, I am deeply sad to know about your loss.Thersa informed me about it today.Abdul Gaffar
KS Heng
April 12, 2012
Felt great to have a chance talking to Jeff right after his presentation on Sustainability in Kota Kinabalu March 2012.
I will remember Jeff whenever I have a chance to deliver the Sustainability Presentation Pakcage...I will always deliver this wonderful presentation package whenever I get a chance...Thanks and Rest in Peace
April 12, 2012
I am very sorry for your loss. Jeff was an absolute delight to work with, and served as an inspiration to all those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know and work with him. With much sympathy, Donna Petrone
April 11, 2012
As the Baytown Refinery Technical Manager Jeff did an outstanding job of instituting a people development system that worked for the complex as a whole including Chemicals. It became a model for all the major Refineries and brought the organizations move closer together. Jeff's energy for it was enormous. My only role as Chemical's Technical Manager was to console the Human Resources representatives and convince them that they could in fact really do what he outlined. Ira Bernstein BTCP Technical Manager (Retired).
Donya Germain
April 11, 2012
Lisa, I did not know Jeff, but I do know how much you loved him. May you find comfort at this time in your memories of your best friend and your life together. My prayers for you and your family will continue.
Love you!
Joyce Kwok
April 11, 2012
I wish you peace and strength in your time of grief, Lisa. Take care!!!
Jeanne (Moser) Castrine
April 11, 2012
Lisa,
My deepest condolences are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Sending hugs to you.
Chris Van Dongen
April 11, 2012
Lisa
My deepest sympathies for you and your family for this tragic loss. My prayers are with you.
Terry Lex
April 11, 2012
Lisa, I only had the privilege of meeting Jeff just once and that was at our 25th class reunion. You two were nothing but smiles. I pray your memories of your life together will bring you comfort and peace. Love you.
Cat Tech farewell party when he left for Texas in 2004.
Cheryl Grimes
April 11, 2012
I will never be able to find the right words to express the deep sorrow I feel at Jeff's passing. Jeff was not only an amazing person but also the best boss I've ever had. I was his admin when he was the Director of ExxonMobil's Catalyst Technology Lab in Clinton, NJ. Tough, but fair, he did everything in his power to make sure his employees lives were the best they could be. When he smiled or laughed, you couldn't help but join in. Jeff was one of a kind! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lisa, Shari and the rest of his family. Rest in Peace my Friend and know that you will live in our hearts forever.
Chris Moustakis-Embry
April 11, 2012
I enjoyed working with Jeff so much and only knew him a short time. He was a great mentor. He was such a positive influence on our organization and a delight to work with and for. His unique insight, incredible intellect and all-around fantastic personality will be sorely missed by me.
Barry
April 11, 2012
Lisa, Shari and the entire family. My thoughts are with you. The happiest times were when Jeff had you as a partner, friend.. We will miss him so.
Wai-Kong Choy
April 11, 2012
"Joann, my condolences on your loss... Jeff will always be remembered for his kindness and personal touch. He will be greatly missed..... Please take care"
Caroline Diamond
April 11, 2012
Lisa
My thoughts are with you. I hope you're getting lots of rest and am wishing you strength.
Stella Salisu
April 11, 2012
Dear Lisa and famiky, my deepest condolences go out to you. Jeff is at peace now and watching over you. I pray that God continues to protect and strengthen you as you go through this trying time.
Love
Stella
Frank Witt
April 11, 2012
Dear Lisa, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that GOD has great plans for you all and soon enough you all will be together again. Much Love.
Bryan Cummins
April 11, 2012
I only had one brief opportunity to meet Jeff, which was at Lisa's 25th high school reunion. He seemed like a hell of a decent guy, and my heart goes out to Lisa and both their families on this sudden, sad occasion.
Martina Shapiro
April 10, 2012
Jeff collected several of my paintings. He was a wonderful and very kind man, an astute art collector and connoisseur. I was shocked to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you Lisa and with your family.
April 10, 2012
I never met Jeff in the human form but knew through Lisa the personification of all that we would want to be while we are here on this Earth - He will live forever in our hearts and I believe he has been greeted as we do a newborn on Earth - with great anticipation and excitement - his arrival in the next stage of LIFE is GLORIOUS!
Yvonne Chng
April 10, 2012
I never knew who Jeff was except seeing exchanges in couple of emails, Somehow, God has made me to know this good man just before he was called off. It was during the recent 2 meetings we had in Dubai & KK. We were on the same table for dinner that nite and I spoke to him for short while. His humbleness, sincerity and passion in his life and work just made me feel that this man is so special and make you feel so at ease. Will miss such a good man that I known for such a short time ut at least we met & spoke before. Yvonne Chng (Singapore)
Sam Pierce
April 10, 2012
Jeff's outstanding personality and leadership will be sorely missed. He brought great insight to our efforts and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Estuardo Sierra
April 10, 2012
Jeff was one of the very best members of our ExxonMobil family. He was a tremendous professional and a wonderful human being. He will be dearly missed.
Darla Hall
April 10, 2012
Lisa, my love and prayers are with you. May you be surrounded with comfort and a community of amazing support as you grieve Jeff's death and remember and celebrate his life and your life together. Peace dear friend.
Jacob McAlister
April 10, 2012
Jeff was a joy to work with. He always took the time to mentor and help others. He was a constant reminder that good people can do great things. He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time of loss.
Susan Hooge
April 10, 2012
Lisa,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family as you grieve the loss of Jeff. May you find comfort in all the great memories of Jeff and your life together.
Kittiphong Limsuwannarot
April 10, 2012
Jeff,
One of my role model in ExxonMobil on what is the real meaning of "caring about people". You always provide me good advises and feedbacks in the past two years. You have had significant impacts to me on the way of thinking. It was my honor to have a chance to know you although at a short time. You will be greatly missed by our family.
Jeff and Lisa at Asian BBQ Night
Kittiphong L.
April 10, 2012
Jeff and LIsa at Asian BBQ Night on Feb 18,2012
Kittiphong L.
April 10, 2012
Haridass
April 10, 2012
Though I have known Jeff for a short time , he had a profound impact on me on how to be a good and effective leader withouit any fuss and at the same time be very kind and considerate. He was extremely caring and helped me and my family settle shipment issues as we relocated to China so that we can settle down quickly. His "ray of sunshine" quote which he recently made will always be remmebered and repeated many times in remembrance of him and the positive outlook he embraced.
Jeff you are a very special person . I will miss the mentoring and guidance you accorded and will always remember you in my heart and thoughts.
Haridass ( Shanghai )
Anthony Soo
April 10, 2012
In the short one year that I had the honor of working for Jeff, he has been a wonderful supervisor, mentor and friend. Always a patient listening ear, a guiding hand, kind, considerate and compassionate to all. Modest and unassuming notwithstanding his sharp intellect and success.. A role model to many. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you through this difficult period.
Ricki Lin
April 10, 2012
Jeff's smile will always be a ray of sunshine in our mind. I first met him during Chinaplas in 2011. We seated together in an event and Jeff was so interested and caring to listen to what was happening in our lives. I was so honoured to receive his "thank you" note after he returned to US. Jeff will be missed by us all and may god bless his family.
Ricki Lin
April 10, 2012
Jeff's smile will always be a ray of sunshine in our mind. I first met him during Chinaplas in 2011. We seated together in an event and Jeff was so interested and caring to listen to what was happening in our lives. I was so honoured to receive his "thank you" note after he returned to US. Jeff will be missed by us all and may god bless his family.
Arnab Dutta
April 10, 2012
Jeff was intelligent, smart, simple ............ but above all he was a good human being. And that's why, he made the difference.
Bhalchandra Sawant
April 10, 2012
My first interaction with Jeff was during APPO 2011 sales meeting, we always say first impression is the last impression… we are going to miss his highly intellectual & interesting talks… what a wonderful person he was…
pankaj gupta
April 10, 2012
Jeff
There are many who touch you in professional life but only few who make a deep inroad in to your heart. This loss in unberable for us in our both lives.Me and my family shall pray to all mighty for resting your soul in peace and giving strength to Lisa to bear with this huge untimely loss.
April 9, 2012
"To me he was one of the most charismatic individual I have come across. The most facinating aspect of his personality was his positive approach towards taking up new tasks and guiding people around him. May his soul be in peace and god give strength to his family in this situation of sorrow"
April 9, 2012
It was a terrible feeling when I came to know -you are no more. We will definitely miss you -Jeff- but your positive thoughts and knowledge sharing will motivate always.My condolence to your family for this tragic loss and pray to God -your soul be rest in peace...
Ranjan Nath
Dhaval Shah
April 9, 2012
I met Jeff a couple of times and was shocked to read about this. I met him so recently in Regional Sales meeting in Kotakinabalu. Jeff was truly an outgoing personality and I admired him for his knowledge that he built-up over so many years. I feel sorry for your loss. May your soul rest in peace.
Dhaval, Mumbai (India).
Rakesh Mehta
April 9, 2012
Though I knew Jeff only for the last 2 years, I will always remember him as my guide on sustainability. May God bless his soul and give enough energy to his family to bear this irrepairable loss.
Cheryl Chen
April 9, 2012
Jeff visited China last year and we just had a meeting togather in Malaysia last month. Though I never had a chance to talk with him, I remembered his smiling face and his gentleness. Jeff, you will be missed by all of us. May you rest in peace! My deepest condolences to Lisa and the whole family...
Tom Degnan
April 9, 2012
Jeff was an inspiration to all of us who worked with him first at Mobil and later at ExxonMobil. He was a tremendously gifted scientist and an extremely effective manager - a true leader. He left us far too soon. Our sincerest condolences to Lisa for this terrible loss. Jeff will be dearly missed. I feel blessed to have had the privilege to have known and worked with him for more than 20 years.
April 9, 2012
Although I have only known Jeff for the past couple of years, I found him to be one of the most interetsing and intriguing individuals I have ever worked with. His enthusiasm will be greatly missed by us all and I can only imagine the loss you must be feeling Lisa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Hutchinson (Calgary, Alberta)
Fred Powers
April 9, 2012
Jeff was always a smiling face in the hallway and eager to help his co-workers with both business and personal issues. He will be greatly missed. Please accept our sympathies and condolences.
Joann Darcy-Siegel
April 9, 2012
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. Joann
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