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Lee Gaumer Obituary
Lee Strohl Gaumer, Jr., 84, of Luther Crest Retirement Community, South Whitehall Township, formerly of 601 S. Glenwood St. Allentown, died July 24, 2010 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp. He was the husband of the late Madalyn Claire (Daugherty) Gaumer. During his 40 year career at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Lee left his mark on all of the major industrial gas technologies that have made the company a sterling success. He retired from the company as Technical Director in 1992. His major career achievements were the liquefaction of hydrogen, the fuel of choice for the Apollo and Shuttle Missions and the liquefaction of natural gas, now being applied worldwide. Born in Palmerton, he was the son of the late Lee Strohl Gaumer, Sr. and the late Mary Louise (Kistler) Gaumer. A native of Lehighton, PA, he was a1948 graduate of Penn State University, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Also, he attended the Harvard Business School, the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago. He served his country in the Army during WWII and Korea. He worked on the Manhattan Project and the White Sands Rocket Proving Grounds while in the Army. Some of his many achievements and awards are the Distinguished Engineers Award-Society of Professional Engineers, the Apollo Achievement Award-NASA, Personal Achievement Award-Chemical Engineering Magazine, Chairmans Award-Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Outstanding Engineering Alumnus-Penn State University, Fellow-American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Ingenuity Award-Coors Brewing Company, Member-National Academy of Engineering, Hero of Chemistry-American Chemical Society/NASA, and Inductee Carbon County Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. He enjoyed golf, shooting pool and reading. Survivors: Sons, Thomas L. Gaumer and his wife Janet of Whitehall, Daniel W. Gaumer and his wife Kathy of Topton, PA, and Randon S. Gaumer and his wife Kristin of Allentown; and grandchildren, Victoria L., Jacob, Sloane, Elle M., Daniel, and Diana. Services: Funeral Service will be private, at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association 212 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018, or to the American Diabetes Association Wilkes-Barre Office 65 E. Elizabeth Ave., Suite 502 Bethlehem, PA 18018. Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lee Gaumer
John C Tao
July 19, 2022
Back in the 90's when I played on Lee's golf team in the AP golf league, Lee taught me the phrase " a BTU shot". It means that you put the same energy into a ball even though you didn't hit it into the the air ( i.e. you topped the ball) it still goes the distance that you wished. Up to this season, I still use that term and have gotten my partner ( another AP retiree) at Lehigh CC to call it that. Another Lee Gaumer legacy!
John Tao
July 19, 2020
Just this week I was on the golf course with Brian Farrell who also knows Lee. I hit a shot thin but it rolled on the green pin high. I said to Brian that long ago Lee told me that it is the BTU that you put into the ball and sometimes it's just as good. We miss you Lee.
George Charles Jr
July 19, 2019
My sincere condolences to Lee's family and friends. I was sorry to see of Lee's passing. I haven't seen him in several years, but before that I saw him regularly decades. He was a pleasure to be with and a good friend. I knew him from Republican activities in the valley and knew that he worked at Air Products. We had talked about our common friends at Air Products and had many shared friends. Lee's life was rich and colorful and I hope that the memories of him help to heal the loss. God bless you all.
Shyam Suchdeo
August 4, 2010
I was fortunate to have crossed paths with Lee over the many years at Air Products. My condolence to the Gaumer family at this personal loss.
jack gray
August 4, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Steven and Claire Weiner
August 3, 2010
Deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Gaumer family. Not only did Lee have a great influence on my professional career, there was no finer gentleman with whom to share times of friendship....and quite a few rounds of golf, I might add. Thinking of Lee and Madalyn will always recall cherished memories and bring a smile and for that, we will always be grateful.
Gina Cormier Gabriel Marks
July 29, 2010
Dear Tom and Janet, Dan and Kathy, Randy and Kristin, and families,
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies in the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. Lee was a brilliant, caring and compassion man. He and your mom were dear friends to my family and we all have fond memories of sharing picnics and other activities as kids. I was privileged to be able to keep in touch with them over the years, and grateful that they had a very special friendship with my mom.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that he is at rest, and likely scheduling a few rounds of golf!!!
In my prayers,
July 29, 2010
Dear Randon, Tom, and Dan,
Letting you know that you are thought of and that your sadness is truly shared. Your father was not only a brilliant man but at the same time he was warm, down to earth, and very pleasant. I am thrilled that I reconnected with him recently by visiting him at Luther Crest. I know the staff there will miss him, he was on their "A" list! Your father and mother were an outstanding couple who will always have a special place in my heart. I am so sorry for the loss of your father, I know you will miss him greatly.
Love,
Danielle Reph
July 28, 2010
Dear Family of Lee,
I worked with Lee at Air Products and traveled with him frequently on international trips associated with the liquefied natural gas business. Lee was a great engineer, a wonderful person and one of the most outstanding people I have known in my life. His creativity, pragmatic approach to problem solving and his interest and caring attitude for others made him an icon in the Air Products family and an inspiration to many. He will be missed, but his work and influence on so many engineers and business people in his field will be felt for generations. He was cherished and respected by many. My sincerest sympathy to the family.
Best Regards,
Bruce Gibson
July 28, 2010
Dan, Tom, Randy,
My sincere condolences to the family. I'm deeply saddened by this news as I just visited with Lee middle of this month and he was in very good spirits and looked good. I've been blessed to have interacted professionally with Lee and many found memories on the golf course with him and you guys. He will be missed.
John Tao
Gene
July 28, 2010
My sincere condolences to the entire family. While I didn't know Lee, I worked with Randon in the 80's and we quickly became friends. I currently work at Air Products and thank Lee for all of his efforts.
Dan Slifer
July 27, 2010
Dan,Tommy and Randy,
We are saddened to hear of your Fathers passing.I remember him as a Kind and very interesting man.Our Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.We have fond memories of Lee teaching us both how to eat steamed crabs at your picnics out by St Peters,Pa. Find comfort at this diffcult time in one another and your loved ones.
Dan & Robin Slifer
Bob Davis
July 27, 2010
Lee was at the tail end of his distinguished career as I was beginning mine with Air Products. He taught me so much - technically and otherwise. We travelled together and he freely shared his long experience. He is one of the fathers of the liquid natural gas industry which is still thriving today!
Valerie Hayes
July 26, 2010
To the Gaumer Family - May you find comfort and warmth from family and friends during this difficult time. As a former babysitter for Lee's children (many years ago), it sounds like there is still alot of family to draw support. The boys have grown up. Again, sorry for your loss., he was a wonderful man.
Phil Newman
July 26, 2010
Tom, Dan and Randy,
The Newmans had good times with the Gaumers when you lived on Glenwood Street with our back yards adjoining.
I spent many hours with your Dad at Air Products and on the golf course. He made a great impact on everything he touched.
Dave Nahmias
July 26, 2010
Lee Gaumer hired me in 1962 and was a mentor thoughout my entire career. Lee was an outstanding technologist and an inspiring leader, who made numerous invaluable contributions to Air Products and to the profession. He will be missed.
Robert Pothering
July 26, 2010
Dear Tom, Dan, & Randy,
Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time. My fondest memories of your Father will always be our numerous golf outings, especially our annual trek to Toftrees. I was honored to know him. Bless all of you and your family.
JACK GRAY
July 26, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
July 26, 2010
Dear Danny and Kathy, Randy, Tom and families:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you, we are sorry for your loss.
Lucas Family
Allentown
Jack Lerch
July 25, 2010
First met Lee and the family as a kid at Hope Church, well over 40 years ago. Then later, as the AP photographer, to be photographing him as the first chairmans' award winner. God Bless and your family are in my prayers.
Dan Krauss
July 25, 2010
Dear Tommy, Danny and Randy;
I will hold you and your families in my thoughts and prayers. Your father was a wonderful man. I still remember camping at your grandmother's, chip & putt, and his booming voice when we accidentally broke a window when we played in your yard. I will have great memories of him always.
Ken Butler
July 25, 2010
Randy, Dan, and Tom: My condolensces for the passing of your father. Thoughts and prayers will be with you from the Butler family.
Ken & Mariellen Butler
Tom Cormier Sr
July 25, 2010
Dear Randy,Danny,Tom and Families,
Sorry about your dad. I know you will miss him. I moved to Mexico four years ago so I have not seen Lee in quite awhile. He was always a good friend and a great boss. God bless you and give you peace at this difficult time.
George Charles
July 25, 2010
My sincere condolences, I grew accustomed to seeing Lee and talking/laughing with him at Republican functions. He was always a pleasure to be around. I pray that God is with your family through this time, and always, as He heals you with the good memories of Lee.
July 25, 2010
To the family of Lee Gaumer. Your father Lee, was one of my husband's-- Rev. Don Eckert-- dear friends. He was an elder in Hope Church in the early days as we were establishing the church and returned as a member during the celebration of its 50th anniversary.
My family and I send you our sincere sympathies on his passing.
Most sincerely, Pat Eckert
Cary Cormier Sinclair
July 25, 2010
I am saddened by the passing of this great man/humantarian. Without his counsel, I don't know where I and my family would be today. I will be eternally grateful to Lee and Mady for their influences in my life. My sincere condolences go to Tom, Dan, Randon and their families. May God bless you all.
Steve Toth
July 25, 2010
I worked for Lee in the early 70's. He was a brilliant and a gracious man.
Steve Toth
Connie Boyle
July 25, 2010
Dear Randy, Tom and Daniel,
My warmest condolences. Danielle and I enjoyed a lovely dinner with your Father this past fall. He was such a brilliant yet humble man. I know you will miss him.
Sincerely,
Connie Boyle
Dr. Gerald J. Mantell
July 25, 2010
I spoke with Lee a short time ago. He was relaxing, stroking the cat,Tai-Tai(sp?),on his lap. There was no hint that the end was near. Lee was gentle, friendly, modest and scientifically outstanding. I knew him as my colleague and briefly as my boss at Air Products. I was saddened and shocked to read that he died. Condolences to his family and other friends from my wife Harriet and me.
July 25, 2010
Dear Randy, Danny, Tom and Families:
I was saddened to read of your fathers passing. I was just speaking about him the other day. I have so many wonderful memories of both your mother and father and the great times our families had growing up together on Glenwood Street. May the memories and love live in your heart forever, God Bless.
Susan (Krauss) Uelses and Family
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