PETER S. WHARTON, Professor of Chemistry

PETER S. WHARTON, professor of chemistry emeritus and the person who introduced the Wharton Reaction, died Apr. 28, 2014. He was 82. An alumnus of Cambridge University, he received two master’s degrees and a PhD from Yale University. After completing post-doctoral study at Columbia University, he joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin in 1960. He attained the rank of full professor at the University of Wisconsin before joining the Wesleyan faculty in 1968. A gifted organic chemist, he introduced generations of Wesleyan students to the rigors of organic chemistry. He was also known for his musical ability and played the piano, in addition to continuing to bike, hike, and travel until a year ago. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ethel Hoffman Wharton. Survivors include his partner, Helen, and five children.