Theodore R. Flint

Elverson, PA – Theodore R. Flint, inventor of the epoxy putty stick, passed away from lymphoma on July 22, 2016. He was 81 years old. He is survived by his wife Deborah (nee Dougherty), his daughters Rebecca (Robert Finkenaur) and Deirdre, his granddaughters Eleanor and Madeleine Finkenaur, his sisters Frances Brezinski of Berne, NY, Janet Legg of Accokeek, MD and brothers David of Stephentown, NY, James of Atlanta, GA and Jonathan of Malvern, PA and 39 nieces and nephews. He grew up in Ardmore, PA and attended Lower Merion High School where as coxswain, he guided his crew team to win the national championships of the Scholastic Rowing Association of America in 1952. Ted received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Villanova University in 1958. He was an entrepreneurial chemical engineer who began his life-long love affair with adhesives and sealants by mixing batches in his mother’s garage, and went on to establish Polymeric Systems. In his over 50-year career, he was awarded 23 patents, many of which were developed into products that were sold in consumer and industrial outlets worldwide. Ted invented two part tape epoxy ribbon, loved by miniature model makers who call it “Green Stuff.” A leader in his profession, he served in the Adhesive and Sealant council as president and on its board of directors for 10 years. He was a regular presenter for Villanova University‘s and Virginia Tech’s professional development course for engineers. He received numerous awards, including the Chester County Globe award for Excellence in International Trade, Villanova University College of Engineering Alumni Award for Meritorious Service; and Institute of Packaging Professionals and Worldstar Packaging Organization awards. Ted was a long-time summer resident of Ocean City, NJ and a member of the Ocean City Yacht Club and Brookside Country Club in Pottstown, PA. His community service included being president and an active member of the Rotary Club of Pottstown, former United Way district chair and member and director of Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a client advocate for Citizen Advocacy of Chester County. Ted was a modest man of many diverse interests. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, baking bread, and making marmalade. He was well-loved and respected by his family, his peers, and his associates. He will be sadly missed by his dog, Cowboy. Family and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, July 29, from 6 to 8 pm and on Saturday July 30, from 9 to 10:15 am; with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am. at St. Peter Church, 2835 Manor Rd. West Brandywine Twp. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sisters of The Visitation, 5820 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131 or Rotary International, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201