Leszek January Wolfram

Leszek January Wolfram passed away from heart failure at the age of 95 on July 20, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland. He was born in Kraków, Poland, on February 24, 1929, the son of Ireneusz and Eugenia Wolfram. Leszek spent his childhood in Poland, where he survived many difficult experiences during the Second World War. He was just 10 years old the last time he saw his father; Ireneusz fought with the Allies as part of the Polish Army in exile, but was unable to return to Poland after the Iron Curtain descended.

After the war, Leszek earned a degree in Chemistry from Politechnika Łódźka, where he met Maria (“Mati”) Kauczynska. They married in 1953. A few years later, they moved to England, where Leszek completed a doctorate in Textile Chemistry at Leeds University in the early 1960s. In 1963, the Wolframs emigrated to the United States, settling in Maryland, where Leszek worked as a chemist at Gillette Research Laboratories. In the early 1970s, he accepted a position with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in Melbourne, Australia. After several years there, they returned to the U.S., where Leszek resumed work with Gillette in Maryland and later in Boston.

In 1977, Leszek joined Clairol as Vice President of Research, overseeing all scientific programs. His deep expertise in keratin fiber and hair chemistry led to numerous publications and patents. He worked closely with Product Development and Marketing to create innovative products, including Small Miracle (the first durable hair conditioner), Nice ‘n Easy Lasting Touch After-Color Conditioner, and Hydrience Haircolor. His research appeared frequently in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, where he later served as Editor. The Society of Cosmetic Chemists recognized his contributions with multiple honors: the Society Award (1969) and the Maison G. de Navarre Medal (1982) for outstanding technical achievement. To his colleagues, Leszek was a respected scientist, mentor, and leader known for his enthusiasm and creativity.

After retiring from Clairol in the late 1990s, Leszek continued to publish research articles, present at conferences, and consult for many research organizations, including the University of California, San Francisco. Leszek and Mati moved to San Francisco in 2003, where they led an active life of travel, music, and exploration, attending concerts and lectures, and hiking and exploring throughout California and beyond. Together they visited all seven continents, sharing an enduring love of discovery.

Despite the hardships of his youth, Leszek remained consistently optimistic. He was intellectually curious about nearly everything. He was a strong advocate for human rights, fairness, and environmental causes, and an active supporter of the Democratic Party. He loved skiing and tennis, and was an avid follower of major tennis tournaments. A devoted father and gifted cook, he was known for his humor, warmth, and zest for life, forming lasting friendships wherever he lived. He grew old with vigor and grace, and in the final year of his life was still driving the streets and hills of San Francisco and taking his folding chair on the tram to Chopin concerts in Warsaw!

Memorial services were held in Warsaw and San Francisco, drawing family and friends from around the world.

Leszek is survived by his son Mark and his wife Lynn; his son Andrew and his husband Michael; his granddaughter Katie and her husband Anders; and his grandson Max and his wife Kristan; and his niece Katarzyna (“Kasia”). He was preceded in death in 2022 by Mati, his beloved wife of 69 years, and in 1992 by his sister, Halinka.

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