Chemical engineer, father of Harvard woman
Gerard Paul Canevari died on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.
Gerard led a very vibrant life for 88 years. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was a Cranford, N.J., resident. He was a devout parishioner of St. Michael Church for over 50 years. He worked as a chemical engineer in surface chemistry for Exxon Research for over 30 years, and still consulted with them until his death.
He developed the first low toxicity oil dispersant, “Corexit,” used initially to clean up after the Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989, and continually used through the BP oil spill of 2010. His formula was recently spoken of as the gold standard for other dispersants.
Canevari was a recipient of the National Hall of Fame medallion, held 38 patents, and composed 45 publications. He received a Master of Science degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1950 and studied at the Center for Advanced Engineering at MIT from 1964 to 1965. He was a decorated naval officer in World War II.
Gerard wasn’t just smart, he was a wonderful father to his children, Linda Sowa and her husband Jim of Cranford, N.J.; Mark Canevari and his wife Bonnie of Fanwood, N.J.; and Elizabeth Sullebarger and her husband Bob of Harvard. He was a very positive role model to his grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, William, Jane, Nancy, Peter, and Andrew. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth, and his sons Peter and Paul. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, N.J.
