Frank A. Cutler

FRANK A. CUTLER Jr.
Long-time Westfield resident, Frank A. Cutler Jr., 97, passed away on April 18, 2018 in his sleep. Born in 1920 in Pana, Illinois, he was the youngest of seven children. He excelled at math and science at Pana( IL) Township High School. He also spent time playing the oboe in the school orchestra, and participating in the theater program. In 2004, he was inducted into Pana High School's Wall of Fame. Frank graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering as Valedictorian of the University of Illinois Class of 1942 (Bronze Tablet). His graduate studies at the University of Minnesota were interrupted in 1944 when he joined the B.F. Goodrich Company's effort to develop synthetic rubber. While in Akron, Ohio, he met his future wife, Miss Lauramae Weber. They were married in 1946. Frank was awarded a predoctoral fellowship by the National Research Council to allow him to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1948. Immediately following his graduation, Frank joined Merck Research Laboratories in Rahway, NJ, where he worked as a scientist until his retirement in 1992. He has been awarded 14 patents related to the synthesis of the landmark drug cortisone and the second-generation anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds which followed. Frank was a pioneer in the development of computer-based systems for chemical structures and reactions, and their linkage to biological data. Frank enjoyed tennis, swimming, radio communications, and singing in the choir. He loved listening to classical music, particularly the organ recitals at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Frank is survived by his wife Lauramae, three sons: William, Robert (Elizabeth), James (Cheryl), four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Frank's memorial visitation will be from 1:00-2:00PM Saturday April 28, 2018 at Gray Funeral Home, 318 E. Broad St., Westfield, NJ. The graveside service and burial will follow at 2:30 PM Saturday at the Revolutionary Cemetery, 140 Mountain Avenue Westfield. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.
Memorial contributions may be made to: University of Illinois Foundation, 1305 W. Green St., MC-386, Urbana, IL 61801, please designate Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Partners Fund, in memory of Frank A. Cutler, or to The Presbyterian Church in Westfield.