Robert Eugene Sears ’44

Bob came to Princeton from South Pasadena (CA) H.S., where he was active in baseball and student government. He studied engineering at Princeton, serving with the O.S.R.D. in the Pacific theatre during WWII, returning to graduate in 1947.

His career in missile rocket engine development began at Thiokol. He was manager for five successful moon landings of Surveyor; he worked on the M1 tank and the Bradley fighting vehicle, as well as in many classified programs for N.S.A. and the CIA.

Bob's work for Boeing Optical Airborn Adjunct laid the foundation for the present ballistic missile defense system; he worked on strategic guidance at Trident. He deeply regretted mandatory retirement from work he found so compelling, but his strong devotion to science did not prevent him from enjoying golf and swimming.

Bob leaves his wife of 54 years, Marjorie, and their three children, Marjorie, Elizabeth, and Robert Jr., as well as three grandchildren; to them, his classmates send their most sincere regrets.

The Class of 1944