John Niels Engelsted

John Niels Engelsted, 91, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Worcester, Massachusetts, passed away at home on July 21. John was born in 1917 of Danish immigrant parents.

He was predeceased by his wife Elsa, and is survived by his six children, Alexandra, Ellen, Karen, Eric, Lisbet and Ingrid and eleven grandchildren.

John graduated from the Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering and later studied aeronautical engineering at the California Institute of Technology. During WWII he served in the navy and received two commendations as chief engineering officer of aviation repair in Guadalcanal.

After the war, he continued to work in the machine tool industry and in 1956, together with his father, purchased O.S. Walker Company, manufacturer of magnetic chucks in Worcester, MA. and which, under his direction, later became Walker Magnetics Group, a worldwide leader in industrial magnets and instrumentation.

As a passionate innovator, John holds six international patents and extended his interests to amateur radio, electronic instrumentation and catamaran sailboat design.

John actively served on numerous boards including the past Guaranty Bank of Worcester, L.S. Starrett Co of Athol, MA, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts and Reflectone Inc.of Tampa Florida. He was also a dedicated trustee of Central New England College in Worcester.

John's enthusiasm and zest for life and innovation will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main Street, suite 650, Worcester,MA 01608 for the John N. Engelsted (Walker Magnetics Group) Fund" (for female students pursuing engineering degrees).

A celebration of John's life will be held in Worcester, MA at a date yet to be determined.