Adolph Scott Clausi
Adolph Scott Clausi, a sixty-year resident of Cos Cob and Riverside, passed away on March 3, 2023, three months shy of his 101st birthday. Al is survived by his beloved wife Janet to whom he was married for 68 years; his children Robert (Hawaa El-Tayeb), Jennifer Benoit, James (Karen), and Alison (Andrew) Garvie; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Jenny Clausi, his brother William, his sister Josephine, and son-in-law Robert.
Al was born in Brooklyn, New York. He carried Brooklyn in his heart as a Dodgers (and later Mets) fan and as a graduate of Brooklyn College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II on the destroyer USS Charles P. Cecil in the Pacific Theater, where he gained the nickname of the “horizontal sergeant” due to his ability to read the radar while being seasick.
After the War, Al came home and embarked on a remarkable food science career at General Foods. He received 13 food patents in the process of inventing or leading the development of such legendary products as Tang, Alpha-Bits, and Jell-O Instant Pudding. Al also initiated the World Food Prize, a globally respected award, which annually recognizes those who greatly advance the world’s food production. After retiring from his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Research Officer in 1987, Al continued to consult and support many endeavors in the food industry. He was also an integral part of the trade’s professional organization, the Institute of Food Technologists, and served as the organization’s President from 1993 – 1994. He led by example.
Al wasn’t afraid to try new things. As a young man, Al acted in many local theater productions and cherished the glowing reviews he got. After stepping away from acting, he embraced the arts through painting and drawing. Al was an avid collector of stamps and antiques, and enjoyed real estate ventures. Al was a traveler for both work and pleasure. He immersed himself in learning the customs, cuisine, and history of the many countries he visited. He worked collaboratively with global business ventures in the food industry and had great respect for the diversity in the world.
Love of his family and friends was the bedrock of Al’s life, and getting together with family and friends for a meal and good time was his “happy place”. He brought humor and wisdom to all gatherings. He challenged those close to him, especially his children and grandchildren, to pursue their passions and always aided their efforts. He mentored and supported his children and grandchildren through their educations and careers, and in recent years took unbridled joy in spending time with his great-grandchildren. Whether he was chasing his grandchildren around with the “smelly stick”, wearing his “Martin Scorsese” darkened eyebrows, collecting odds and ends at United House Wrecking and flea markets, or joining in on the family tradition of singing Happy Birthday off key, Al brought joy to all within his presence.
Al will be laid to rest in his two favorite places; Greenwich, CT and Catskill, NY. A celebration of his life will be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Connecticut Public Television (www.ctpublic. org/about/how-to-support).