John Mooney, the force behind catalytic converters, dies at 90 John Mooney, the force behind catalytic converters, dies at 90 June 29, 2020 dzadmin Comments 0 Comment Mooney, who died June 16 at home in Wyckoff, N.J., is credited with a big breakthrough, while working at supplier Engelhard, in advancing one of the most important anti-pollution devices since the creation of the car.