Albert MISENKO

1930 - 2017

MISENKO, Albert Edward Age 87, of Kettering, Ohio passed away at home October 21, 2017 in the loving presence of his family. Albert was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 29, 1930, the son of Slovakian immigrants, Stefan and Veronika (nee Stolyarik) Misenko. He graduated from Benedictine High School in 1948 and earned a bachelor's degree with honors from Kent State University in 1952, majoring in history, English and philosophy. He received a master's degree in history from John Carroll University in 1953 and did doctoral work until 1957 at Western Reserve University. Albert taught world and U.S. history at Kent State University for 2 years before coming to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in January 1960 where Albert was the Chief Historian of the Aeronautical System Division for over 32 years. He authored and contributed to over 30 histories concerning research and development, management issues, and systems acquisition. Among his many publications are the History of the Hound Dog Missile, History of the Air Force Materials Laboratory, Engineering History, 1917-1978: McCook Field to ASD (co-author), Thunder in the Skies: A History of ASD (co-author) and Total Quality Management at ASD, 1984-1991: The Road to Improvement. He also transcribed and edited 2 major works of oral history: An Encounter Between the Jet Engine Inventors: Sir Frank Whittle and Dr. Hans von Ohain and JS-A Man for the Time: An Oral History Interview with Lt. General James T. Stewart. In addition to his work as a historian, Albert served as adjunct professor at various Dayton area colleges and universities including Miami, Wright State, Antioch, Dayton, Wittenberg, Indiana, and the Dayton Art Institute, teaching courses in history and English. He also coached youth basketball and baseball teams for over 15 years. After his retirement, he lectured on the Wright brothers to various Air Force and civic audiences. He was a member of the history honorary Phi Alpha Theta and the Ohio Academy of History. Albert is survived by his wife, Carole Hart Misenko, and 3 daughters and a son, Colette Misenko, Thomas Misenko (Beth Owens), Michelle Harker (Michael), and Annette Misenko of Columbus; and by 5 grandchildren, Rachael Tilton (Pete) of Park City, Utah, Elizabeth Breitenstein (Brendon) of West Chester and Veronica, Stephen and Rachael Harker; 2 stepdaughters and a stepson, Pamela Janco (George) of Columbus, Susan Rhodes (Gary) of Cincinnati, and John Hart of Oregon; and by 5 stepgrandchildren, Maggie and Leslie Janco, Preston, Grace and Paige Rhodes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stefan and Veronika; once wife, Mary Louise Misenko (nee Schmidt); brothers, Stephen, Andrew and John; and sister, Mary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at St. Albert the Great Church, 3033 Far Hills Ave. in Kettering, Ohio with the Rev. Chris Woreland officiating. Interment will follow the service at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Dayton.