Eric Rau

Eric Rau, 84, of Palo Alto, Calif., died June 12, 2013. Born in Weisenfels, Germany, in 1928, he and his family escaped Nazi Germany in 1939 at the brink of World War II.

After arriving in the United States, he focused on his studies, winning scholarships that allowed him to attend New York University, where he received his BA and PhD degrees. After graduation, they moved to Pittsburgh, where he worked as a chemist for the U.S. Navy and Westinghouse.

In 1960, he moved to New Jersey, eventually settling in Lawrenceville for more than 50 years. He was an executive for FMC and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, was active in many professional associations, and took pride in mentoring young chemists.

A lifelong leader in the Jewish community, he volunteered his time with many organizations to ensure continued Jewish education for all ages.

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In retirement, he remained intellectually and physically active and was a founding member of the Princeton-based 55PLUS organization and the Princeton Pikers investment club.

Predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Anita, he is survived by two sons, Allen (Edie) and Jerry (Karen); a sister, Laura Hofing; and four grandchildren.

Services were held June 16 with arrangements by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, Ewing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society or the Chemical Heritage Foundation.