Charles B. Egolf | Chemical engineer, 102

Charles B. Egolf, 102, formerly of Torresdale, a retired chemical engineer and artist, died Tuesday of adenocarcinoma at Bellingham, a retirement community in West Chester.

For 36 years, Dr. Egolf was a chemical engineer at Rohm and Haas in Bristol. During World War II, he helped develop crack-proof Plexiglas windshields for fighter planes and worked on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He later did polymer research for Rohm and Haas and held two patents.

After retiring in 1966, Dr. Egolf pursued his lifelong interest in art, studying watercolor painting and exhibiting his work at area shows.

"He was a true Renaissance man," his daughter, Carla Westerman, said. "Even at 102," she said, "his mind was sharp and he was usually one step ahead of the rest of us."

Dr. Egolf graduated from Northeast High School in Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania; a master's degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and a doctorate from the University of Michigan.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his wife of 66 years, Viola Lerch Egolf; a son Christopher; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. today at All Saints Episcopal Church, Torresdale, 9601 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia.

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