Albert Cornelius Antoine

His Life
Albert Cornelius Antoine was born on January 14, 1925 in New York, New York to Wilhelmina Marie and Emmanuel Evans Antoine (both natives of the British West Indies). He received his elementary and secondary school education in the New York Public Schools. He attended P.S. 184 / Cooper Jr. High School and Townsend Harris High School, from which he graduated in 1941. Having developed a fascination with Chemistry in Junior High School, Albert (or Bert, as he was known to his family) went on to earn his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the College of the City of New York (CCNY) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Ohio State University (OSU). Before earning his doctorate, Bert was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and was trained in the Army Specialized Training Program, where he took courses in civil engineering.

While a student at OSU, Bert met the love of his life, June Sallee (originally of Sandusky, Ohio and whose parents originated from Kentucky). June was earning a B.A. degree in Music and Vocal Arts. The two were married on June 14, 1953 and were devoted to one another, for 63 years, until she went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

From their union, June and Bert were blessed with four loving and accomplished children, six wonderful grandchildren and one precious great grandchild. As much as Bert relished his career as a scientist and educator, he was devoted to his family. Family was always important to Bert and he provided a strong supporting presence in the lives of his children, grandchildren and other loved ones. Faith in Christ was also important to Bert, which he exhibited in the way he loved his wife and family and in how he lived his life. He and June were active members of Plymouth Church of Shaker Heights for over 50 years.

Bert began his career as a Control Chemist at the Pentone Company in New Jersey in 1947, taught chemistry at the post-secondary level at Clark College in Atlanta, during the 1953/1954 school year, and later taught at Cleveland State University from 1963 until 1970. From 1954 to 1983, Antoine was also employed at the NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland. There he researched jet and rocket propulsion, project management, and technical management for contracts and grants.

From 1983 to 1996, Antoine was Senior Research Associate, in the College of Engineering for Cleveland State University, teaching students at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Over the years, his professional activities included service on intergovernmental technical review and technical evaluating committees, membership in the American Chemical Society and publishing and lecturing on his research. Bert also worked with many public service and non-profit organizations, including the Cleveland International Program, the Council for Careers in Science, the Rotary Club, and Creative Writing Workshop Projects, which was founded by his wife, June.

Dr. Antoine is featured in "Black Contributions to the Engineering and Science Fields" at NASA Lewis Research Center and "Blacks in Science: Astrophysicist to Zoologist," by Hattie Carwell. He is also listed in "American Men of Science." Over the years, his professional activities included service on intergovernmental technical review and technical evaluating committees, membership in the American Chemical Society and publishing and lecturing on his research. Bert also worked with many public service and non-profit organizations, including the Cleveland International Program, the Council for Careers in Science, the Rotary Club, and the Creative Writing Workshop Projects, which was founded by his wife, June.

Many remember Bert for his steadfast and unwavering support for his wife, June's, work and projects. However, his support reflected a shared interest in the arts and philanthropy. Bert was an intelligent, accomplished man who not only loved science, but had multi-dimensional interests that included singing in the Heritage Chorale, playing the piano and love of reading.

The family will always remember, with fondness, Bert's kind heart, patient ways, sense of humor and commitment to excellence in all things. His grand children, in particular, will never forget his jump rope and driveway basketball skills as well as his uncanny ability to find anything you needed or lost, in his house. Nor will his admonition to "ABC" (Always Be Careful) be forgotten.

Bert was preceded in death by his wife, June and daughter Dr. Janice Antoine Lumpkin (Carl). He is survived by his brother, Lawrence (Evelyn) of Bushkill, PA , 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law: Albert Sallee (Evelyn), Edward Sallee (Nina), and Lawrence Sallee. Bert leaves his legacy of love and excellence to his 6 grandchildren: Nicole Lumpkin Fields (Andrew), Jessica, Jordan and Olivia Lumpkin; Kelley Marie Antoine; and Asa Evans Antoine and 1 great grandson, Theodore Scott Fields, all of whom he adored. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws: Dr. Regina M. Williams (Farmington Hills, Michigan) and Mrs. Angela S. Blount (Upper Marlboro, MD), as well as a host of nieces and nephews with whom he shared mutually loving relationships.

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