Warren J Brehm, 97, passed away suddenly on March 11, 2023.
He was born and raised in New York City (Bronx). An exceptional student, he was the youngest member (age 15) of the first graduating class of the now famous Bronx High School of Science. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from New York University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. During the war, Warren was selected to be a member of the Special Engineer Attachment of the US Army in Oakridge TN where he worked on the Manhattan Project. After his discharge, Warren furthered his education with a Master’s Degree and PhD in Organic Chemistry from Harvard University and post-doctoral research at Columbia University. Warren was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Phi Lambda Upsilon, the New York Academy of Sciences and the American Chemical Society.
After 3 years as an instructor of Chemistry at NYU, he moved to Delaware in 1953 to join the DuPont Company where he worked for 38 years. At DuPont he contributed to development research in the field of linear polyethylene and the development of Teflon. He was a Research Manager and ended his career as a Patents Consultant.
Warren had a love of history, was an avid gardener and enjoyed a good game of bridge. He was well known for his vast collection of liquors and was always eager to mix a cocktail for any guest. Warren loved to travel; he and his second wife and best friend Marcia,, traveled to all 7 continents during their 40 year marriage. They relocated to Florida in 2003 first to Siesta Key and then Sarasota. Warren was active member of Siesta Key Chapel where he served as an elder, as well as a teacher of adult Sunday School. He returned to Wilmington in spring of 2022 and resided independently at Shipley Living until his death.
Warren was predeceased by his first wife in 1971, by his second wife Marcia Grey Brehm in 2019, his sister Doris Meitz and his stepdaughter Amy Thor Berger. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Ignatieff (John), son Warren T. Brehm (Shelby), and step-son Tim Thor; his grandchildren: Warren J. Brehm, III (Ali–fiancé ), Dustin Capers, Megan Vivas and Matthew Capers; 4 great grandchildren; his niece Deborah Zech (Paul) and his nephew Donald Mietz (Lisa). Per Warren’s request, services and interment were private. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Bronx High School of Science, PO Box 5234, New York, NY 10008-5234:.
