ERIE, Pa. (Feb. 21) — Donald M. Alstadt, chairman emeritus of Lord Corp., died Feb. 19 at the age of 85 of natural causes.
Alstadt was recognized for his expertise in rubber-to-metal adhesion, the physics and chemistry of surfaces and solid state molecular structures, entrepreneurial leadership and management, and product innovation. He was the inventor of Chemlok adhesives, which became the foundation of Lord´s successful global chemical business.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Alstadt joined Lord in 1943 as a developmental engineer and over the next 50 years rose through the ranks to become chairman and CEO in 1982. He held those posts until 1991.
Alstadt is survived by his wife, Judith, and his daughter, Karen Alstadt, and her husband Brian Baird of North Hampton, Mass. A burial mass will be held Feb. 24 at St. Patrick´s Catholic Church in Erie. Memorials can be made to the Donald M. Alstadt Memorial Science Scholarship Fund, c/o PNC Bank, 901 State St., Erie 16501.