Albert Emmet Hodapp

Albert "Al" Hodapp, 77, of Albuquerque, NM, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Rosalina "Rosie;" daughter, April Mount and husband, Tracy of Albuquerque, NM, grandsons, Austen and wife, Brynne of Manhattan, KS and Evan of Washington D.C.; daughter, Mary Abt and granddaughter, Aubrey of Albuquerque, NM; son, Albert "Bert" Hodapp and wife, Sandy of Chicago, IL, grandchildren, Allyson of New Orleans, LA and Wesley of Chicago, IL; sisters, Patricia Reggio of Greensboro, NC and Maureen Eustis of New Orleans, LA; brother-in-law, Lou Spiers and wife, Cherry of New Orleans, LA; and many nieces and nephews.

Al was born January 12, 1940 in New Orleans, LA to Albert and Elvira Hodapp. He attended Louisiana State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and many honorary societies. He received his Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute, while working at Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma, TN.

In 1968 Al began his career at Sandia National Laboratories. He was proud to contribute to the security of our nation and its technological superiority. He was honored as one of the first to be given the title of "Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff." During his career he was renowned for his work in the field of aerodynamics, considered a role model, published many technical papers and was an AIAA Associate Fellow. After 34 years of service, he retired in 2002.

Al was a humble gentleman with a love for aviation, an avid reader and enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling - especially to Disneyland. He was a devout Catholic who was a longtime member of Aquinas Newman Center and most recently of John 23rd Catholic Community.
A Rosary recitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 10:15 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at John 23rd Catholic Community, 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.
The family wishes to thank the staff at North Ridge memory care facility and Hospice de La Luz for their loving care and support.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to the LSU foundation for the benefit of the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department in memory of Al Hodapp, 3796 Nicholson Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70802, or the Alzheimer's Association, New Mexico Chapter, P.O. Box 21400, Albuquerque, NM 87154.



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