Robert Hirschkron *56

Robert Hirschkron, retired manager of design at the General Electric Co., died Aug. 12, 2016, at age 88.

Born in Vienna in 1928, Hirschkron and his parents, who were Jewish, survived Nazi Germany’s 1938 annexation of Austria. Through a Quaker-sponsored program, the family was able to escape to New York City in early 1940. At age 19, he graduated from the New York University engineering school in 1947. He took great care of his parents throughout their lives.

In 1947, Hirschkron began at GE, starting a 46-year career there. From 1951 to 1953, he served in the Army, working in White Sands, N.M., on early missile development. He then returned to GE, and in 1956 he earned a master’s degree from Princeton in aeronautical engineering. Returning to GE, he worked on the development and design of jet engines.

From 1989 to 2008, Hirschkron annually led a hiking group of 20 to 30 through his native Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. For 25 years, he volunteered almost daily, tutoring math to immigrants studying for their GEDs. He donated to the Graduate School’s Annual Giving campaign for 35 years.

Hirschkron’s wife, Frances, died in 1995. He is survived by two children (including Gary ’79); two grandchildren; and his long-term partner, Sylvia Berman.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.