Paul A. Lagacé

1957 - 2021

LAGACÉ, Paul A. MIT Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics Paul A. Lagacé of Wilmington passed away on Friday, July 16, in his home. He was a professor of aeronautics and astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the beloved husband of Robin, his wife of 38 years. Paul was born on July 27, 1957 in Lewiston, Maine. Growing up during the advent of the Space Age had a profound effect on Paul; his interest in aerospace coupled with his academic strengths in math and science led him to MIT. A first-generation college student, he received his degrees in Aerospace Engineering, graduating with his Bachelor's degree in 1978, his Master's degree in 1979, and his Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in 1982. Upon graduation, he joined the faculty in the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1982. Paul's research focused on designing and manufacturing composite structures and materials mainly used in the aerospace industry. He was widely recognized for his research expertise, particularly as it applied to the response and failure of composite structures, and the development of composite structures technology, and the safety of aircraft structural systems. In addition to his research, he was deeply passionate about the MIT community and was actively involved in education and service to the Institute throughout his career. Outside of MIT, Paul was an avid sports fan particularly devoted to the Boston Red Sox. After seeing his first game at Fenway Park with his grandfather in 1968, Paul wove the Red Sox into his life in countless ways, from lining up a business trip with their travel game schedule to taking his future wife to a game on their first date. Paul was the beloved husband of Robin P. Lagacé (Pare), cherished son of the late Lucien and Claire (Malo) Lagace, dear brother of Daniel Lagace, and his wife Elyse of Voluntown, CT. Brother-in-law of Michael Pare of Pawtucket, RI and Robert, and Wendy Pare of Bow, WA. Paul is also survived by many friends and colleagues. Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), WILMINGTON, MA, on Friday, July 23rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 24th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Williams Church, 1351 Main St. (Rte. 38), Tewksbury, MA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul's memory to the Epilepsy Foundation of New England, 1 Dunham Road #200, Billerica, MA 01821, or to the Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. View Paul's full obituary on news.mit.edu

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