MASTIN, THOMAS (19 Dec. 1913-31 May 1998) was a research chemist, philanthropist and chairman of LUBRIZOL CORP. He was born in New Castle, Indiana, to Thomas W. Mastin, a machinist in an auto factory, and Minnie (Garner) Mastin. He received a bachelor's degree from Wabash College in 1938 and earned a master's degree in chemistry in 1939 and doctorate in chemistry in 1942 from the University of Illinois. Mr. Mastin started with Lubrizol as a chemist in 1942 when the company was called the Cleveland Industrial Research Co. In 1945, he became the first director of research and development. He was elected vice president of research and development in 1957, executive vice president in 1967, president and chief executive officer in 1972, and chairman of the board in 1972. He retired in 1982.
Mastin earned his reputation in the scientific world as a research chemist. He held 25 patents, published technical papers and was instrumental in the development and commercialization of many of Lubrizol's major products. Mr. Mastin also left a legacy as a philanthropist who donated large sums of money to encourage science education for children and to promote environmental concerns. He donated $350,000 to Lakeland Community College's non-profit foundation for science education for children, $250,000 to the Andrews School in Willoughby to develop a land laboratory to teach students about conservation, $250,000 to the Lake Metroparks' non-profit foundation for educational and interpretive exhibits for Penitentiary Glen Reservation's Nature Center in Kirtland and $250,000 to create the Environmental Sciences Resource Information Center at Lake Erie College. For his generosity, he was presented the Outstanding Philanthropist Award from the local chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives in 1994. Mastin was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Council of the CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY in 1972. He was a trustee for the museum, and for Grand River Academy, Euclid General Hospital, Lake Erie College, Northeast Ohio Council of Boy Scouts of America, Wabash College, the Community Dialysis Center, Holden Arboretum, the Council for Educational Growth, and National History Day. He was past chairman of the Cleveland section of the American Chemical Society and Cleveland Association of Research Directors. He served as a director for numerous companies, including Roadway Express Inc., Specialty Composites Corp., Weatherhead Co., Keithly Instruments and OsAir Inc.
Mastin married Lillian E. Hungate and they had three children: Thomas W. Jr., Gary, and Dennis. Mastin died in Waite Hill, OH and is buried in Whitehaven Memorial Park in MAYFIELD VILLAGE, OH.