Obituary for Robert MACE of Chapel Hill, NC. Born in New York City, NY
Robert Mace died peacefully July 25, at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham, surrounded by his family.
Robert Mace was born in New York City, of immigrant parents, in 1921. As a child, he was a gifted mathematician, and was the accountant for the family business. Robert attended Brooklyn College at the age of 16 and graduated in three years with a degree in Mathematics. While in college, he met and fell deeply in love with Ruth Lowens. They married in 1942.
Robert and Ruth moved to Washington, DC, and during the War he joined the Navy and became involved with Chemistry and Physics at the Naval Research Labs.
The couple moved to Chapel Hill in 1954, where Robert earned a PhD in Physics at UNC-Chapel Hill. After the completion of the degree, they decided to make Chapel Hill their permanent home. They moved to Hillcrest Circle, where they raised a son and a daughter.
Coming from a city background, Robert loved the natural beauty of North Carolina. On weekends he made it a habit to take his young family on picnics and hikes. He passed his love of nature and the outdoors to both his children. He was also an avid photographer. His greatest love was for his wife, Ruth and his family.
Robert is survived by his children, Mary Mace and Tony Mace; Mary’s daughter, Elizabeth Lastra; Tony’s son, James Martin Mace, and daughters, Olivia Claire Mace, and Beatrice Ruth Mace.
Donations to Charles House Association, 109 Hillcrest Ave. Carrboro, NC 27510, as a memorial to Robert Mace.