Dr. Joseph Wolinsky

Dr. Joseph Wolinsky, 90, of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Westminster Village.

Joe was born December 3, 1930 in Chicago, IL to the late Gershon and Rose Wolinsky.

He graduated from Hyde Park High School where he was an accomplished basketball and baseball player and graduated top of his class.

He began college near home at the University of Illinois at Navy Pier.  There, he lettered in baseball and basketball and met the love of his life, Sheila Lee Rubin.  The following year, both Sheila and Joe transferred to the University of Illinois at Champagne, where Joe became connected to the field of chemistry, where he focused his life work.

After earning  his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Illinois in 1953, he completed a PhD at Cornell University in 1957.  Following two years on a post-doctoral position at the University of Wisconsin, he joined the Purdue University Department of Chemistry in 1958 where he served until his retirement in 2002.

During his tenure at Purdue, Joe focused his efforts in three areas: research, teaching, and service to the Chemistry Department and Purdue University. He published over 90 articles with a focus on natural products and scent science.

Joe received numerous teaching awards, among them being selected by Purdue alums in the inaugural “Book of Great Teachers.”  He earned the Outstanding Teacher in the School of Science award, Amoco Teaching Award and the Frank D. Martin Award.

His commitment to the Department of Chemistry included serving as advisor for over 20 years for undergraduate majors, chairing the department’s chemical management and safety committee,  serving on the Purdue University faculty senate, and dedicating himself as a mentor at Wylie Hall dormitory.

He was an enthusiastic sports fan and a season ticket holder for Purdue football and basketball for decades. Perhaps the greatest enjoyment in his life was spending time with his wife, five children and seven grandchildren.  He enjoyed discussing and helping his grandchildren with schoolwork,   investing in the stock market,  or simply being available to provide sound advice about life.  He was an avid Word with Friends competitor, loved great music including jazz and soul, appreciated world travel, and enjoyed fishing with his buddies during nearly twenty winters in Longboat Key, Florida.  He was an active member at Sons of Abraham Synagogue in Lafayette and served a term as President.

Joe was loved, admired and respected deeply. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and countless students.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gershon and Rose Wolinsky along with his daughter Debbie and granddaughter, Brittney Wolinsky as well as three sisters and their spouses, Paula and Harry Sherman, Dora and Mel Biegel and Edith and Morris Weiss.

Surviving is his beloved wife Sheila of nearly 70 years and family, including daughters Kharry Wolinsky (Arlington, VA.); Rebecca Galante (Gus, Munster, IN.); son Michael Wolinsky (Indianapolis, IN.), and daughter Julie (Homi Arabshahi, Arlington, VA.) Wolinsky.   Grandchildren, Alex Galante (Orlando, FL.), Sara Galante (Fort Collins, CO.), Eric Galante (Atlanta, GA); Garon Wolinsky (Sawyer, MI.)  Danny Arabshahi (Arlington, VA) and Andy Arabshahi (Arlington, VA).

Visitation at Soller Baker Funeral Home will take place on Monday, July 5 at 1 p.m. located at 1184 Sagamore Parkway, West Lafayette, followed by a 2 p.m. funeral service and burial to follow at the Jewish Cemetery of Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Professor Joseph Wolinsky Student Award Fund, Purdue University Department of Chemistry 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084 or to the charity of your choice.