David A. De Graaf *54

Dave died Apr. 2, 2022, in Columbia, Md. 

Born Feb. 7, 1931, in Paterson, N.J., Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from Lehigh in 1952 and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Princeton in 1954.

He worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories and its subsidiary, Bellcomm. Based on his early work with missile-guidance systems and telemetry, he developed the trajectory simulations that guided the Apollo astronauts to the moon and back and supported the Skylab missions. He worked to develop aspects of the UNIX operating system and delighted in the rise of Linux, which powers the internet.

Dave planned and developed a large network for the 1984 Summer Olympics. His consulting firm, Datix, helped small businesses set up mixed Linux and Windows computer networks. He said, “When the steamroller of digital technology rolls through town, you can either be part of the steamroller or part of the road.” A private pilot, he enjoyed windsurfing, sailing and navigation, mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, woodworking, and computing.

Predeceased by his wife, Marguerite, Dave is survived by his son, Stuart ’79; three grandchildren; and his brother, Robert.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.