August Adrian Di Somma

Born in New York, NY on 10 February 1905, youngest child of Italian immigrant parents. Father a tailor, mother a dressmaker. Born with cataracts, possibly due to maternal German measels (rubella) infection. Attended public schools, including De Witt Clinton High School.

Attended Columbia College, graduating in 1929 with a BA in chemistry. Graduate school - Columbia University, 1929 to 1940. Graduate research at Rockefeller Institute under Karl Landsteiner, Nobel laureate. PhD Columbia University 1940 organic chemistry.

Taught organic chemistry at Columbia University College of Pharmacy 1940 to 1964. During World War II, taught pharmacists mates.

Married 1931, two daughters, one granddaughter; one son-in-law, also an organic chemist.