EMANUEL FTHENAKIS

FTHENAKIS emanuel fthenakis (Age 86) Of Potomac, Maryland died on Thursday, April 3, 2014. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece on January 30, 1928 to John and Evanthia Fthenakis. Emanuel graduated from the Technical University of Athens, and received an MS in electrical engineering from Columbia University. Emanuel was a leader in the telecommunications and aerospace fields. As a pioneer in satellite communications, he directed the development of a unique multiple satellite launch technique, for the first time launching eight spacecraft at once, forming a network of 27 satellites. During his career he founded two successful, highly technical national organizations: the Philco-Ford Space Division and the American Satellite Company. Both of which contributed substantially to state-of-the-art satellite communications. He was elected Man of the Year in 1982 for imaginative and pioneering work in digital communications by the Electronics & Aerospace Systems Conference and proclaimed a Pioneer in Space Reconnaissance and Recovery for his work on the Discoverer Satellite. He received The Donovan Award from the OSS Society for distinguished service to the United States of America. He also received a citation for leadership and vision for the development and production of the nation's first space reconnaissance satellites. During his career he has been a consulting member of the National Academy of Science; member of the Board of Directors of the University Research Association (which is responsible for the Fermi Laboratories); member of the Board of Visitors, College of Engineering, University of Maryland; member of the Board of Visitors, University of Maryland Foundation; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Challenger Center. Until June 1991, Emanuel was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fairchild Industries which he joined in 1971 and became CEO in 1985. Prior to that, he was Chairman and CEO of the American Satellite Corporation and Head of Engineering in the Space and Missile activities of General Electric Company. He began his career as a member of the technical staff of Bell Telephone Laboratories in 1953. Emanuel also took pride in teaching as an adjunct professor in University of Maryland's School of Engineering at the graduate level. He published the textbook on Satellite Communications for his course. He received the 1989 Distinguished Service Award from the University of Maryland, College of Engineering. He also taught in Bell Laboratory's Advanced Telecommunications program and General Electric's Professional Business Management Program. Emanuel was an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Bethesda, MD. He is survived by his wife, Hermione; two sons, John and Basil Fthenakis; and four grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 8 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD. Repast following the funeral service at Bethesda Country Club, 7601 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda, MD. Private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.