Fred Glassman, aerospace engineer, dies at 90

FRED GLASSMAN, an aerospace engineer and a longtime resident of New Orleans died at his home Thursday November 21, 2013. He was 90.

Glassman was the Project Engineer at RCA for the Ranger Satellite that took the first successful pictures of the moon. He was the Project Engineer for numerous Tiros weather satellite and spy satellites and worked at Boeing and was involved with the Apollo XI mission that landed on the moon. Upon retiring he became involved in selling insurance for business accounts.

A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in electrical engineering, Glassman later served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw combat in the Asian theater, fighting in Burma, India and China. Glassman was credited with the design of an electronic device for all Navy gun-firing combat aircraft that prevented overheating of the equipment.

He was married to Rhoda Felberg for over 50 years until she died in 2001. Over the last few years, Glassman enjoyed working as a volunteer at the National World War II Museum.

He is survived by his daughters, Gail Glassman and Rochelle Glassman Aronson (Jon); a granddaughter and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services took place at Tikvat Shalom Cemetery (inside Jefferson Memorial Gardens), 11316 River Road, St. Rose, LA on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Rabbi Ethan Linden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National World War II Museum or Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation. Condolences may be expressed online here.  Tharp-Sontheimer-TharpFuneral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements. For additional information, call 504-835-2341.