Philip Pechukas, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at Columbia University, died on June 8, 2023 in Great Barrington. Phil was born in Akron, Ohio in 1942 and spent his elementary school years in Pittsfield while his father worked at GE. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Yale in 1963 and his Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from the University of Chicago in 1966, was a postdoctoral fellow at NBS (now NIST) from 1966 to 1967, and joined the Columbia faculty in 1968.
He was a gifted theoretical chemist whose work in chemical reaction dynamics and quantum chaos was deeply insightful and illu- minating. He made a deep impact on Columbia through his service as chair of the Chemistry Department during the design of a new building and was an extraordinary teacher and mentor to students—including the many who have gone on to notable research careers as university professors. He was the recipient of many honors, including Fellow of The American Physical Society and the Humboldt Senior Scientist Award 1993-1994.
Phil Pechukas was a unique individual, a gifted scientist, and a talented writer with an ironic sense of humor. He was a scholar and a gentleman, universally respected by his colleagues and collaborators for his wisdom and sage advice. Phil’s passing is a huge loss to the Department of Chemistry and Columbia University.
Phil suffered the painful loss of his two daughters, Fiona and Maria, who predeceased him. He is survived by his beloved longtime partner, Rachel Brier, a Psychologist in Great Barrington; Rachel’s family, Lauren, David, Hannah, and Jonah; his surviving children, Sarah, Amy, and Rolf; and his grandchildren, Molly, Hannu, Crash, and Coletta. A green burial was held at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington on Saturday, June10. A memorial service will follow with the date to be announced.
