Obituary of Philip M. Anderson, III

Philip M. Anderson, III, of Madison, a physics professor and inventor of an electronic anti-theft system found in retail stores across the globe, passed away on September 9, 2024. His invention spawned the billion dollar industry of electronic article surveillance. He holds 37 U.S. patents and more than 100 patents worldwide.

Phil was born July 13, 1948 in Philadelphia. Encouraged by his father, Phil was the first in his family to attend college. Upon graduating from Widener University in 1970 with a degree in physics, he won his first and only lottery by being drafted into military service. He was commissioned by the US Air Force (USAF) and trained to fly jet aircraft. Because the war in Vietnam was winding down, the USAF gave him an early out on the condition that he fly for the Air National Guard Reserve. He flew until discharged in 1986.

From the Air Force, Phil was scouted by Ross Perot to work as a systems engineer for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). During corporate training in Dallas, TX, he met his future wife, Ruth Zowader. After re-assignment to New York City, both decided to return to school. Phil earned an MS in physics, MS in electrical engineering, and a PhD in Physics from Drexel University, while Ruth earned her MBA from Wharton Business School.

With his PhD, Phil was hired by Allied-Signal (now Honeywell) in Morristown. There he studied the properties of amorphous metal alloys, created a new industry using these materials for sensors, and is considered the father of this field. In 1986, he became President and CEO of Identitech Corporation, which he founded as a joint venture with Allied, and which manufactured anti-theft systems based on his patented inventions. The technology is used in devices that prevent theft of library books and the abduction of newborns in the hospital. It has also been adapted to warn surgeons if they leave a sponge or instrument in a patient during surgery.

After the company was bought out, he returned to pure physics, inventing, and his love of teaching. In 1990 he joined the faculty of Ramapo College of New Jersey as a professor of physics, where he taught in subjects ranging from introductory physics to electronics, invention, and entrepreneurship. He was elevated to Emeritus Professor at his retirement in 2021, after over 30 years of teaching.

Over the years Phil advised other companies using his technology, as a board director, consultant, and expert witness. He was selected as an “Inventor of the Year” by the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2012, he was named one of the “20 Brainiest People in New Jersey” by Inside New Jersey Magazine. However, his most valued award was the feedback from his family of students, who remained in touch until the very end and never failed to thank him for his help and encouragement over the years.

Phil is survived by his wife, son Sean (wife Marguerite Daniels Anderson), daughter Brielle Anderson, and grandchildren, George and Nia Anderson. Phil’s two children both have PhDs in physics. Sean works in the area of nanotechnology and optical communications, and Brielle is a physics professor at American University, DC.

Please join us as we gather to remember and celebrate a life well-lived. A memorial service for Phill will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm. at The Trustees Pavilion located at Ramapo College of New Jersey, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430. 

A parking pass is needed to attend, please email the funeral home at madisonmemorialhome@gmail.com for a copy of the parking pass. 

An interactive map of the campus can be seen at https://www.ramapo.edu/map/ If you open this link, click on “Buildings” and scroll to “T” to select “Trustees Pavilion”.

The event will also be available via Webex. https://ramapo.webex.com/ramapo/j.php? MTID=m81e382adfcdee800ec334d556d3f940 d Meeting ID: 2444 268 4237 Password: W8xPVUgij55 Login using any browser, or your computer or phone. You do not need to download the Webex app. Enter your name and email address. If you would like to speak, please turn your microphone on and ask.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Philip M. Anderson Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the Ramapo College Foundation, Ramapo College of NJ. For more information see https://www.ramapo.edu/scholarships/single/philip-m-anderson-memorial-endowment/