CorningWare Giant Dead: Inventor S. Donald Stookey Dead At 99

S. Donald Stookey, CorningWare glass giant and inventor, is dead. ABC News is reporting that the CorningWare inventor died Tuesday after complications from hip surgery. S. Donald Stookey was 99 years old.

S. Donald Stookey’s son stated that he was living an assistant living facility in Rochester, New York. The American inventor presented CorningWare, aka Corning Ware, to the world in 1958, according to Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. His contributions to the glass industry have been immeasurable. CorningWare’s website makes the following statement regarding Corning Ware’s history.

“The original glass-ceramic material, Pyroceram, was a marvel of engineering, designed in the 1950s during the space race to safely absorb huge temperature fluctuations in rocket nose cones.”

Today, CorningWare French White and CorningWare Etch are among their top lines. Famous for its beautiful white ceramic casserole dishes and bakeware, the multifunctional stone allows the consumer to take the dish out of the oven and refrigerate without changing the dish. The well-constructed CorningWare dishes are a great choice for any homemaker who wants to see the bubbly dishes through the glass without removing the lid and losing heat. CorningWare is also known for having great insulation, allowing the casserole dish to sit out for a reasonable amount of time without turning cold. According to the book Cooking Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen – The New Green by Kate Heyhoe, CorningWare ceramics are easy to clean after a long day of baking for guests.

About the ceramic glass line Stookey once stated, “I’m proud of Corning Ware. It’s made a lot of people happy.”

The popular CorningWare blue cornflower line was popular among many Hollywood celebrities, from the late 1950’s to the 1970’s. Even today, cooks, homemakers and chefs all around the U.S. still appreciate the quality that Corningware brings into the kitchen. Here are some recent comments from Corningware users.

“Love the white embossed plates!”

“These dishes remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen. Great memories!”

“i have always loved corning as did my mother and grandmother the best longest wearing product ever.”

“I love your products!”

“I love Corelle, beautiful, lightweight, compact storage, durable…everything you could want:)”

The prestigious Corningware line has built up a reputation for excellence that rivals all others. About Stanley Donald Stookey, Professor Steve Feller will remember him this way. “He was one of the great glass scientists in the history of the world.” Last year, the Inquisitr reported on the death of computer mouse inventor Douglas C. Engelbart.
[Photo Credit: Love To Know Antiques]