John Glass

Dr. John Adolph Glass, 90, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2014 at his home. He was born on October 31, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA. Dr. Glass graduated from South High School in Pittsburgh. He completed his undergraduate studies and was in the ROTC at Carnegie Tech, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1944. During World War II, he was selected for the Manhattan project, serving in the U.S. Army's Special Engineering Division both at Oak Ridge, TN and Los Alamos, NM. After the war, he earned his Master's Degree on the G.I. Bill from the University of Michigan in 1947 and his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cornell in 1956. He worked in research and development at the BF Goodrich Company for 30 years, retiring from pilot plant development at the research center in Brecksville. Dr. Glass went on to spend 10 years with the University of Akron's Edison Polymer Innovation Corporation and was instrumental in the design and operation of its mini pilot plant, and in the instruction of polymer science graduate students, contributing importantly to the development of UA as a center for polymer science research. He retired in 1996. Dr. Glass was a member of Towpath Racquet Club, and enjoyed playing in an early morning doubles group well into his 80s. He was a deacon at the Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ. For years he belonged to Toastmasters. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He was a lifelong learner, taking classes, including Japanese and Italian languages, at the University of Akron through 2007. John is survived by Julia, his beloved wife of 60 years, children John Glass of Minneapolis, MN, Louise Glass of Piermont, NH, Robert (Mary) Glass of Akron and Richard (Marivel) Glass of Rome, OH, grandchildren Talia, Katherine, Robert, Daniel, Kevin, Victor and Angelica, and extended family members Raul and Lina Roxas who also were his kind and loving caregivers. John was a 15 year survivor of pancreatic cancer and the Glass family wishes to thank Cathy Farmer, R.N., O.C.N., Daniel Guyton, M.D. and the members of their respective teams at Akron General Medical Center for the 15 years of happiness their collective skills and efforts brought to our family. Cremation has taken place. On Friday June 20th the family will receive friends from 4 to 5 pm followed by a celebration of life service at 5pm at Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ, 2095 West Market St., Akron 44313. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences.