Carl Edward “Ed” Lorenz passed away on February 5, 2021. His final days were spent, as he wished, in hospice care at his home in Maris Grove, surrounded by family and friends. No words seem to properly capture the spirit and nature of this amazing man.
Ed was born in the Flushing section of Queens, N.Y.C. in 1933, the only child of immigrant parents Hellmuth and Greta Lorenz. Following high school, he attended New York University (NYU) and was awarded a BS degree in June 1953. He immediately enrolled in Graduate School at NYU where he obtained a PhD in Organic Chemistry, in June 1957. At the age of 20, in June 1953, Ed met Matilda “Til” and so began a 64 year “Love of Your Life” courtship and marriage. To her dying day Til was “my Bride.” They were married on May 26, 1956. Together they built a life on a foundation of Love, Faith, and Service to others. He and Til immediately moved to Wilmington, DE, where he joined the DuPont Company as a research chemist at the Experimental Station.
For the next several years, Ed held a variety of Technology, Staff and Management positions, and in 1979, he was appointed Director-Research Division of the Central Research Department. Three Research Development and Development Directorships followed that before he was appointed, in 1990, Vice President- Research and Development. He retired from the DuPont Company in December 1993.
Ed’s business and technology responsibilities required much travel, domestic and foreign. He went to Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Poland, Russia, and Germany. His personal travels included spending his free time in Avalon, NJ with family and friends.
Ed served on Industry Advisory Committees for Chemistry Departments at NYU, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and the University of Tennessee. He served as a member of a National Research Council Committee of the National Academy of Sciences and a member of a National Advisory Committee for a National Engineering Coalition involving eight Engineering Colleges, primarily minority students. While on the National Research Council Committee he participated in a study titled, “A Strategic Vision for the Department of Energy Environmental Quality Research and Development.” He also served on National Academy of Sciences Committee addressing the issues of International Pure and Applied Sciences.
Following retirement, Ed committed himself to self-improvement., namely reading and attending the Academy of Life Long learning in Wilmington, DE and volunteer activities primarily through his church, Concordia Lutheran.
In October 2008, Til and Ed moved to Maris Grove, in Glen Mills, PA, their “Home for Life”. Many opportunities for volunteering existed and Ed committed his time, talents, and treasures to the Office of Philanthropy. He served on the Philanthropy Advisory Committee and Chaired the Scholarships Committee for many years. He often thankfully referred to this commitment as a “Labor of Love”.
Ed was predeceased by Til, his bride in 2017. He is survived by his son Darryl (Kate) Lorenz of Wilmington, DE; daughter Karin Clark of Wilmington, DE; daughter Erin Irwin of Winter Springs, FL; grandchildren Chad, Patrick, and Evan Lorenz; Danielle (Charles) Carpenter; Casey, Brooke, and Bridget Irwin. A celebration of life service will be held in June 2021.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Concordia Church Family Ministry Fund, 3003 Silverside Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810, or the Maris Grove Scholarship Fund to benefit College, Community College, or Trade School bound high school students working at Maris Grove, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA 19342.
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