Howard P. Angstadt PhD

In Loving Memory of Howard P. Angstadt, PhD
1934 – 2025
Principal Scientist, Discoverer, Inventor
Howard P. Angstadt, PhD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, chemist, mentor, and friend,passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on July 6th 2025. His life was a beautiful testament to intellectual passion, loyalty, humor, and a steadfast love for family, friends, and community.
Howard was a proud graduate of Mt. Penn High School in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1952. He went on to earn his B.S. in Organic Chemistry from Juniata College in 1957 and later obtained his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1962, a path that set the stage for a long and impactful career in the chemical and petroleum industries.
In 1958, Howard married the love of his life, Carol A. Newborg in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership that spanned 67 years, built on mutual respect, love, and laughter. Together, they raised two sons, Carl (Lonnie) and Eric (Kristin), and were blessed with six grandchildren.
Howard dedicated three decades of his professional life to Sun Oil Company, where he left a lasting mark on the field of industrial chemistry. Highlights of his work include:
Author/co-author of more than 35 U.S. patents 1965-1991
Participated in design and testing of new "super acid" hydrocarbon refining catalysts, significantly improving motor fuel production at Sun Company, 1985-1991
Development of advanced surfactants for enhanced oil recovery projects in the USA and Canada, which added several million barrels of oil to the US reserves, 1978-1985
Discovered a new class of hydrocarbon oxidation comprising unique organo-metallic compounds which operate via an oxygen-activating mechanism, 1970-1985
Discovered new class of chemical reactions of elemental phosphorus, 1962-1968 Directed a project introducing a "Google" type process to search existing chemical literature by computer and wrote the algorithm for it, 1980-1990
Though known for his brilliance in chemistry, Howard was equally known for his passions and pursuits beyond his career. He loved a good Manhattan at the end of the work day, and nothing pleased him more than home-cooked meals made by his wife Carol. An enthusiastic world traveler, Howard found joy in adventures across all 50 states, New Zealand, Australia, Africa, and cherished family time at a cabin on Sexsmith Lake in Davenport, New York.
Howard was a lifelong woodworker, gardener, soccer coach, soccer referee, and beloved baseball coach. His deep commitment to his community shone through in many ways, including his generous act of personally funding the survival of the Aston-Middletown Little League, where he also served as president and a dedicated volunteer. He was an active member of the Angstadt Freundschaft Association (Reading, PA), the Juniata Alumni Association, and remained proudly connected to those roots throughout his life.
Above all, Howard was a mentor, a steadfast friend, and a man of principle and quiet generosity. His wisdom and guidance changed the trajectory of many lives-both in his family and among friends and colleagues-who often turned to him for thoughtful counsel and unwavering support. He offered help without hesitation and advice without judgment, always with the goal of lifting others up.
Howard leaves behind a legacy of love, scientific contribution, and kindness that will ripple through generations. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.