Volker D. Arendt

1934 – 2026

Volker Arendt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. Born in 1934 in Berlin, Germany, Volker lived a life of remarkable intellectual curiosity, creative passion, and deep devotion to family.

Volker's early years were spent in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where he studied mathematics and physics at the Technical University of Zürich (ETH).  In 1953, he and his brother immigrated to Peru, before Volker ultimately made his way to the United States to complete his formal education.

After completing his undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University, he was awarded the Fellowship to the Textile Research Institute at Princeton, New Jersey to study at Princeton University. There he earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1963 and 1965, respectively.  Settling in Princeton, he pursued his career at various chemical and pharmaceutical companies until his retirement in 2000. Throughout his career he authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers and was awarded dozens of patents. A gifted polyglot, Volker was fluent in German, English, Spanish, and French.

In retirement, Volker embraced various pursuits including painting, sculpture, founding a Toastmasters Club at the Wyeth Corporation and serving as a docent at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, NJ.  Always one to enjoy playing host, Volker guided visitors through the park while telling stories about art and sharing his personal passions.

The arts were a lifelong calling.  Abstract painting became his signature medium and exhibited his work at many local galleries and businesses. He and his wife collaborated on a beautiful booklet in which his paintings were paired with her original poems — a testament to their partnership.

Above all else, he cherished time with family. He was a devoted husband to Ulli for 60 years, an engaged and loving father to his four children, and a proud grandfather. His daughter described him as "thoughtful, creative, and sometimes silly" — a portrait of a man who never lost his sense of wonder or warmth.

Volker is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ulli Arendt; his four children Heike (Edward Cheng), Nicole (Sally Bradfield), Wolfram (Marjorie Arendt) and Beatrix (Sam Speedie); and his grandchildren Catherine, Clara, Carson, Rainer, Rowan, and Ilsa.​

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Volker's honor to Grounds for Sculpture: https://www.groundsforsculpture.org/join-support/donate/

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Kimble Funeral Home, Princeton, NJ on June 30, 2026  from 11:00AM to 1:00PM with a Memorial Service at 1:00PM.  The burial is the following day at Glenwood Cemetery in West Long Branch, NJ.