Arthur K. Ingberman ChE'46

Arthur K Ingberman

On November 30, 2023, Arthur K. Ingberman passed away peacefully in his home in Bellingham, Washington.  He was 97 years old.

Arthur held a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from NYU.  He was a man of intelligence, curiosity, friendship, compassion, and humor.

He held multiple patents in health and new chemicals. For example, he developed the first method of freezing blood plasma, numerous antihistamines and related compounds, and methods to polymerize plastics.  He commercialized many new products including water-soluble plastics and synthetic fuels.  He also served as Director of Planning and Policy for the newly formed Department of Energy under President Carter and led the agency’s development efforts for synthetic fuels and electric cars.

In recent years, Arthur enjoyed spending time with friends and family, photography, traveling, and competing in games of bridge.

Arthur was beloved by many.  His death was preceded by his brother Monroe and his daughter, Sharon Metz.  He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth, children Dan Ingberman and Jeanne Graulich and their spouses Renee Elder and Andrew Graulich, son-in-law Robert Metz and his spouse Melinda Metz, grandchildren including Mark Graulich, AJ Ingberman, Teddy Ingberman, Sarah Metz, and Rachael Rinebolt, and great-grandchildren Sean, Lucas, Ozzy, and Jozy.  And many dear friends, too many to enumerate.

The family asks that friends and family do not send flowers or other gifts.  Instead, if further remembrance of Arthur is desired, we request that donations be made to:

·        Congregation Beth Israel in Bellingham, Washington (specifically to the “Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund,” in Arthur’s memory), or to

·        Cooper Union (in Arthur’s memory)

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.