Anca Faur was a distinguished chemical engineer and executive, best known as the fourth wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon. With a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Faur built an impressive career in science and sustainable technology, holding leadership roles such as treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council and Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC.
She met Buzz Aldrin in 2017, and the couple married in a private ceremony on January 20, 2023, Aldrin’s 93rd birthday. Known for her intelligence, dedication, and warmth, Faur played a key role in Aldrin’s professional and personal life. Tragically, she passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 66, after a battle with a rare form of cancer, leaving behind her husband and her son, Vlad Ghenciu.
Early Life and Background
Anca Faur was born in Romania, where she developed a strong interest in science and engineering from an early age. She pursued her undergraduate studies in organic chemistry technology at Politehnica University Timișoara, gaining foundational knowledge that would shape her future career. Early on, she worked as a chemical engineer and university research assistant, honing her skills in research and laboratory practices.
Seeking advanced education and broader professional opportunities, Faur moved to the United States. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, conducting research and contributing to the field through her work on catalyst mechanisms. Her academic achievements reflected her dedication, intelligence, and passion for scientific innovation.
Professionally, Anca Faur built a distinguished career in chemicals and sustainable technologies, including nearly two decades at Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable chemistry. She held leadership roles, served as treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, and later became Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, supporting initiatives in aerospace, innovation, and clean technology.
Education
Anca Faur began her academic journey in Romania, where she developed a strong foundation in science and engineering. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemical technology from Politehnica University Timișoara, specializing in organic chemistry technology. During this time, she also gained practical experience as a research assistant and chemical engineer, laying the groundwork for a career that combined rigorous scientific training with hands-on laboratory expertise.
After gaining professional experience in Romania, Anca Faur moved to the United States to further her education and expand her research opportunities. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering in the 1990s. Her doctoral research focused on catalyst mechanisms and chemical reactions, reflecting her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. This advanced education equipped her with the expertise and skills that would define her later career in sustainable technologies, research leadership, and executive roles.
Career
Anca Faur built a distinguished career as a chemical engineer and business executive, blending scientific expertise with leadership in sustainable technologies. After earning her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, she began her professional journey in the chemical industry, holding research and project management roles that allowed her to apply her deep technical knowledge to real-world solutions. She spent nearly two decades at Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable chemistry and clean energy, where she contributed to innovations in hydrogen fuel cells, sustainable materials, and environmental technologies, holding positions such as senior scientist and program manager.
Beyond her corporate work, Faur played a significant role in advancing the clean energy sector. She served as treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, helping promote hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies through industry advocacy and strategic initiatives. In 2019, she began a professional partnership with Buzz Aldrin, joining Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC as Executive Vice President. In this role, she helped guide the company’s aerospace and innovation projects, representing Aldrin’s vision for advancing human spaceflight and technology development. Throughout her career, Faur was known for her combination of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and dedication to innovation, leaving a lasting impact in both science and business communities.
Achievements
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in catalyst mechanisms and chemical research.
- Senior Scientist and Program Manager at Johnson Matthey, contributing nearly two decades to sustainable technologies, fuel cell programs, and clean energy innovations.
- Treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council, supporting industry advocacy and the development of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.
- Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, guiding aerospace and innovation initiatives, and representing the company at major space and technology events.
- Pioneered sustainable technology projects, combining technical expertise with leadership in clean energy research and applications.
- Recognized for personal and professional excellence, praised for her intellect, dedication, and contributions to both the scientific community and public initiatives.
Personal Life and Family
Anca Faur was married to astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon, in a private ceremony on January 20, 2023, which coincided with Aldrin’s 93rd birthday. Together, they shared a close bond until her passing in October 2025. Anca had a son, Vlad Ghenciu, who was by her side during her final moments. Through her marriage to Aldrin, she also became stepmother to his three children from his first marriage: James, Janice, and Andrew Aldrin. Details about Anca Faur’s own parents and siblings have not been publicly documented, and she largely kept her early family life private. Her family life, particularly her marriage to Buzz Aldrin, was described by those close to her as a partnership built on mutual respect, love, and shared interests in science and innovation.
Anca Faur net worth
Anca Faur, renowned chemical engineer and executive, is estimated to have had a net worth of approximately $4 to $5 million USD. This estimate reflects her long and successful career in the chemical and sustainable technology sectors, including senior roles at Johnson Matthey, as well as her position as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, where she helped guide aerospace and innovation initiatives.
Cause of Death
Anca Faur, the wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 66. She had been privately battling a rare form of cancer, which ultimately led to her death. Faur spent her final days surrounded by her loved ones, including her husband Buzz Aldrin and her son, Vlad Ghenciu. Her passing marked the loss of a respected scientist, executive, and beloved family member, remembered for her intelligence, warmth, and contributions to both her professional field and personal circles.
Legacy and Impact
Anca Faur left a lasting legacy as a respected chemical engineer, executive, and advocate for sustainable technology. Throughout her career, she contributed to advances in clean energy, fuel-cell technology, and sustainable chemical processes, earning recognition for both her technical expertise and leadership. Her role as treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council and later as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC reflected her commitment to innovation, bridging science, business, and education.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Faur’s impact extended to her personal life. As the wife of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, she supported his advocacy for space exploration and accompanied him to numerous public and professional events, helping raise awareness of scientific and aerospace initiatives. Friends, colleagues, and family praised her for her intelligence, courage, and warmth, qualities that made her a mentor and inspiration to those around her. Her legacy endures through her contributions to science, sustainable technology, and the meaningful relationships she built throughout her life.
Conclusion
Anca Faur was a remarkable woman whose life combined scientific excellence, professional achievement, and personal warmth. As a Ph.D.-trained chemical engineer, she made significant contributions to sustainable technologies and clean energy, holding senior roles at Johnson Matthey and serving as treasurer of the California Hydrogen Business Council. Later, as Executive Vice President of Buzz Aldrin Ventures LLC, she helped advance aerospace initiatives and innovation, leaving a lasting mark on the fields she touched.Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anca Faur was cherished for her intellect, courage, and kindness. Her marriage to astronaut Buzz Aldrin reflected a deep personal bond, and she was a devoted mother to her son, Vlad Ghenciu. Her passing in October 2025, after battling a rare form of cancer, was a profound loss to both her family and the scientific community. Anca Faur’s legacy endures through her contributions to science, sustainable innovation, and the lives she inspired, leaving an enduring example of dedication, passion, and love.