Eugene Arthur Pasek

August 16, 1940 - May 26, 2024

Eugene “Gene” Pasek, 83, was born to Charles and Florence Pasek at Huron Road Hospital, in Cleveland, Ohio. Gene grew up in the Cleveland suburbs of Willoughby and Parma.

He graduated from Saint Ignatius High School, where his interest in chemistry began to flourish. He studied chemistry at John Carroll University, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science. He went on to earn a PhD at the University of Pittsburgh.

His love of organic chemistry, research and analytics led him to be on a team at Chrysler that developed the catalytic converter. His career expanded to work in petroleum and gas at Gulf Oil and ultimately into wood preservation and protection at Koppers, Hickson Corp. and Arch Wood Protection.

During his career, he contributed to twenty-two U.S. patents. He was invited to speak globally on his work and he was a mentor and dissertation advisor for doctoral students around the country. He was a proud member of the American Chemical Society for 63 years

Gene had lifelong passions for family, helping others, genealogy, photography, classical music and travel.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Douglas and his sister (the Sister) Mary Patricia, SND. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Linda, his daughters Allison (Charles) and Alexis (Kevin), his bonus children Meghan (J.J.) and Eddie (Rachel) and six grandchildren Aubrie, Vinny, Julia, Katelyn, Eddie Jr. and Beatrix. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Donna, nephews Greg (Terri) and Jeff (Margaret) and many cousins.

As were Gene’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held at a later date. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/