My dad passed last night in his sleep. He passed five days shy of his 97th birthday. Chris alerted us to his passing first thing this morning. We said a prayer for him and then I drove Anne to the airport. She is flying to Saint Louis today. Returning after the four-hour commute to Silicon Valley and back I found that the coroner had already taken his remains. The following is his obituary that Chris wrote:

He was a visionary engineer, scholar, and innovator, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of intellect, ingenuity, and dedication. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Earl and Bertha (née Evans), John was deeply respected for both his professional excellence and his warm, generous spirit. His pursuit of knowledge began at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. His academic journey continued at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he obtained a master’s degree in engineering in 1958. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, John went on to achieve a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Catholic University in 1972 and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1978. His expertise was further solidified through his licensure as a Professional Engineer in California (1966) and Texas (1981). John’s groundbreaking contributions transformed industries and improved countless lives. His innovative work included a patented advancement in sleep apnea treatment, as well as key breakthroughs in metal packing and manufacturing. His influence extended into academia, where he served as a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, shaping young minds in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering. Beyond his professional achievements, John had an adventurous spirit, traveling the world and immersing himself in its many cultures. He was a devoted husband to Jacqueline, whom he met in Newport, Rhode Island, during his time at the Naval Justice School in 1951. They married on September 10, 1952, in Fall River, sharing a lifetime of love and exploration until Jacqueline’s passing in 2011. His sister, Elizabeth A. Caulder, preceded him in death in 2021. John is survived by his three sons—Mark, Chris, and Frank—as well as his grandchildren Daniel, Sarah, and David, and his great-grandchild, Declan. His family will continue to honor his memory, carrying forward his legacy of knowledge, discovery, and compassion. John will be remembered not only for his brilliance and dedication but also for the profound impact he had on his field and the lives of those who knew him. His legacy endures through his work, his family, and the countless individuals he inspired.