Arthur Patchett Obituary, Death – Arthur Allan Patchett, Ph.D., 93, a distinguished research chemist and former Merck Vice President of Medicinal Chemistry, passed away on December 2 while he was surrounded by his family. He had retired from Merck as a research scientist after working there for 93 years. In the course of his work, he developed ground-breaking medications for cardiovascular conditions. On May 28th, 1929, Arthur entered the world in Middletown, New York. In 1951, he received a degree in chemistry from Princeton University, where he received honors.
After receiving his Ph.D. in chemistry from Harvard in 1955 and completing a post-doctoral study at the National Institutes of Health for a period of two years, he studied chemistry at Cambridge University on a Fulbright Scholarship. 1957 was the year when Arthur started working at Merck. During the 1970s and 1980s, he directed research at Merck that resulted in the discovery of Mevacor, Vasotec, and Prinivil. His discovery of statins has helped save the lives of millions of people all over the world.
In 2000, he took his retirement from Merck, where he had worked for 44 years, as Vice President of Medicinal Chemistry. At Merck, Arthur became acquainted with Lois McNeil. Tom and Steve were brought up in Cranford and Westfield, respectively. He attended many of his sons’ activities since he was very proud of them. Arthur had a soft spot for furry friends and thought of Buddy and Teddy as members of the family.
Arthur put in countless hours tending to his non-organic vegetable garden, battling squirrels in the backyard, and cultivating a stunning rose garden. He enjoyed music and for many years he was a season ticket holder at both the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. His grandchildren brought him happiness. He was always interested in various things, such as their dog, video games, crafts, or even strange clothes.
At the Trinity Episcopal Church in Cranford, Art served as a vestryman for many years. Lois, who was 46 years old and Arthur’s wife, passed away first. His children Thomas Patchett (Grace) and Steven Patchett (Kimberly), as well as his brother Joseph Patchett and four grandchildren, will carry on his legacy after his passing. On Wednesday, December 7, the Gray Memorial Funeral Home, located at 12 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, New Jersey, will be open from 4 to 8 o’clock in the evening.