A. Gregory Wall 1952 – 2024

Greg Wall at an UMSL event in 2021

Greg Wall died from complications of cancer on June 7, 2024.

Greg served the St. Louis Section for many years and in many capacities: as Section Chair, Program Committee Chair, Director, and Councilor. In 1996, when Greg was Chair, the Section received the Award for Outstanding Performance by a Medium-Large Section. In 2004 he received the Distinguished Service Award and in 2011 he was recognized with a Salute to Excellence.

Greg earned BA degrees in chemistry and biology and a BS in education, all from UMSL. He then taught chemistry, biology, and general science, first in Arkansas, and later in the Pattonville School District in St. Louis County. In 1980 he returned to UMSL and completed a MS degree in chemistry. He continued his studies with Professor Eric Block, who moved to SUNY–Albany. Greg moved to Albany with Eric and completed his PhD degree in 1985. He then returned to St. Louis and spent a successful 22-year career as a technical consultant with Sigma Chemical Company. Following Sigma, his career included stints at Monsanto and Cyanta Analytical Laboratories before returning to his roots in education. He spent 17 years as an Adjunct Professor at UMSL, first teaching introductory and organic chemistry and finally settling into a regular schedule of teaching biochemistry in the summer. He also taught at St. Louis Community College and at several high schools in the area including McKinley Classical Leadership Academy in Hazelwood and Whitfield School in Creve Coeur.

For almost 30 years, Greg engaged in educational science programs for youth and science outreach to the public. He was the local driving force behind the Section’s organization and presentation of ACS programs such as Kids and Chemistry, National Chemistry Week, Cheminvolvement, the Chemistry Careers Awareness Fair, the Minority Science Showcase, and others. These programs promote chemistry in the community, targeting children and young people in general, but especially minorities and socially and economically underprivileged groups. In fact, Greg spent much time rounding up colleagues for volunteer assistance to help with demonstrations at the St. Louis Science Center, in the schools or at other venues where he was organizing events. As such he was very well known to the folks at the Science Center and was one of the regular speakers available through the Academy of Science of St. Louis.

Unfortunately, his work was not completed due to the incursion of a deadly disease, but he leaves an indelible legacy on the St. Louis Section.

He is survived by his wife Elana Schafer Wall, 3 children, 2 stepchildren, and several grandchildren. He was one of seven sons, almost enough for a baseball team. He was devoted to his wife, family, work, and St. Louis. Greg collected old cars and liked to work on them. He was very handy. He loved science. He was friendly, optimistic, inspiring, and a hard worker.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 20, from 4:40 pm to 7:00 pm at 2210 Pestalozzi Street. Casual attire with a science theme is suggested.