In Memoriam

Thomas Starace A'69

Thomas R. Starace, 78, of New York City and Rhinebeck, NY, passed away at the age of 78. He is survived by his domestic partner, Jeff Greenberg. After graduating from The Cooper Union, he worked as an Art Director at HarperCollins Publishers from 1992 to 2013.

Eli Reshotko, ME'50

Eli Reshotko passed away at age 95 in his home surrounded by family on December 6, 2025.

Ralph Lawrence Knapp EE'58

Ralph Lawrence Knapp EE'58 died on November 30, 2025 at the age of 88. After growing up in Brooklyn and Queens, Knapp studied electrical engineering and taught at The Cooper Union. Knapp and his wife, Sara Jane Woodward, were patrons of the arts and faithful members of Grace Church. 

Mel Leipzig A'56

Mel Leipzig A'56, nationally recognized but deeply connected to his neighbors and fellow artists in Trenton and central New Jersey, died November 1 at the age of 90. The most important thing in Mel's life was his family, but his purpose, passion, and obsession was painting.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.