Mark D. Birnbaum ’59

Complications of pneumonia took Mark at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, Calif., Jan. 5, 2021. 

He came to Princeton from Scotch Plains (N.J.) High School, where he edited the school paper and graduated as class valedictorian. At Princeton he majored in electrical engineering, was active in WPRB, Whig-Clio, and the Outing Club, and took his meals at Prospect. Marriage to Sarah Davis followed six days after graduation, then a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Northeastern and study at MIT, San Diego State, and University of California. Work with General Dynamics on the Atlas, Centaur, and Mercury space programs followed, then work with MIT where he designed part of the Apollo guidance system critical to successful moon flight.

A transplanted “left-coaster,” Mark’s career centered on technology as a senior computer-systems consultant for Control Data in San Diego designing secure communications systems for the Navy; microelectronics liaison with National Semiconductor; advanced computer technology for National Advanced Systems; then back with National Semiconductor as deputy director of government technology business, and a move to the Bay area. He wrote two books, one on computers and one on electronic design automation, both translated into several languages, including Chinese and Korean.

Mark is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sarah; daughters Michele and Tara; son Andrew; sister Helen; and three grandchildren. We have sent condolences.