Herbert W Bilsky, 97, of Lawrenceville, passed away on March 16, 2020 after a long and rewarding life.
Born in New York City to Samuel and Esther Bilsky, he spent his early years growing up in the Bronx. He served proudly in the US Army during World War II in the Pacific. He attended City College of New York and attained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University following the war.
Early in his career Herb invented the first re-chargeable battery while working for Sonotone. In the early 1960’s he moved his family from Mount Vernon, NY to Lawrenceville and continued his professional career in engineering at RCA and GE/Lockheed in Hightstown. While there he worked on many ground-breaking aerospace projects including the first satellites which provide us today with communications and weather forecasting, several deep space missions, and the Mars explorers. Previously Herb had worked for Culter Hammer. Many aspects of his technical contributions to the aerospace industry are documented in the Princeton University Library collections.
He shall be remembered for these professional accomplishments, his famous signature moustache, his dry wit, and his fierce independence. Herb was also a devoted fan of the NY Yankees and NY Giants.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Barbara (Eisenberg), his sister Hilda (Siegel) and brother Norman. He leaves his beloved children Steven, and Joan (Williams), his grandchildren John Williams, David and Daniel Bilsky, and great-grand son, Liam Williams.
Due to coronavirus precautions, funeral services and burial will be private on Wednesday, March 18 at Riverside Cemetery in Saddle Brook, NJ.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) or a charity of your choice.
I first met Herb when I started as a young engineer at RCA Astro Space and worked with him on many programs over the years. I will always remember Herb by his unique style, great humor and technical abilities that helped shape my career.
My sincere thoughts go out to Herb’s family and friends.