Joseph Alfred Scanlan

The kind and gentle soul, Joseph Alfred Scanlan, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2011 in Hermosa Beach at the age of 90. Joe was born on March 13, 1921 and raised in a one-room home on a dry-land homestead near Hardin, MT. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in electrical engineering and a new wife, his lifelong love, Eileen. During World War II, the army sent him to MIT to learn about a new device called radar. After the war, Joe and Eileen moved to California where Joe began a 34-year career in aerospace at Hughes Aircraft Company. His early assignments included development of airborne radar systems and radar-guided missiles. He managed several major development and production programs, and rose to the executive management ranks. Devoted to his family, he and Eileen raised three children, happily were involved with six grandchildren, and enjoyed eight great-grandchildren. Retirement was a fun and busy time with Eileen. They had an avocado farm, helped others through their volunteer work with the Kiwanis, traveled the country in their RV, and were avid square dancers. Joseph is survived by his son, Lawrence A (Tara) Scanlan of Manhattan Beach, CA; daughter, Kathleen A Scanlan of Linden, CA; and son, Steven D (Reda) Scanlan of Carlinville, IL. He was preceded in death by parents Alfred Edgar and Frances Permilla (Barnett) Scanlan; wife, Frances Eileen (Dale) Scanlan; and daughter, Christine Claire Scanlan (stillborn). Joseph was buried next to his wife at Riverside National Cemetery on November 12, 2011. The memorial service will be held at Rice Mortuary in Torrance on November 26 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, alzfdn.org, (866) AFA-8484.