Glenn H. Fishbeck

Glenn Fishbeck retired from National Security Agency (NSA) in December of 2007 after 48 years of federal service. He enjoyed an outstanding career as a cryptanalyst and cryptolinguist, combining his analytic skills and his language abilities to become the leading expert in crypt exploitation of a wide range of top-priority, high-grade target systems.

For many years, Glenn was one of NSA’s foremost cryptolinguists, which, not surprisingly, meant that his talents were in frequent demand, by TOPI organizations, external Agency customers, and external partners. It also means, of course, that there is little we can say about the particulars of the many problems he solved. We can say that, in addition to his outstanding technical skills, Glenn served the Crypt Analysis community as a senior analyst and mentor, working with interns and younger employees – and if it’s alright for me to say so, over the last few years “younger employees” included just about everyone at NSA – assisting whenever his help was needed. Glenn was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the KRYPTOS Society on October 23, 2008.

“Oct. 9, 1960 at 3 p.m. the Rev. Glenn Fishbeck was installed as minister of Fraser Presbyterian church at a ceremony held at the church. Rev. Joseph Ryan of Bad Axe, Rev. John Fish of Cass City, Rev. George Gillette of Ithaca, Rev. Charles Johnson of Harbor Beach and Rev. Hosteller of Kinde were the ministers present. Mrs. Fishbeck was presented a corsage from the women of the Ladies Aid. After the installation the company was served lunch in the church dining room” (Cass City Chronical. (1960, Oct 18). News from Holbrook Area. Cass City Chronicle, p. 3.).

Glenn Howard Fishbeck resided at 31408 Philmar Lane, Wesley Chapel, Florida, his place of passing. Baruch HaShem. Glenn died peacefully of old age on August 1, 2013 after surviving his parents, Howard and Hazel Fishbeck.

Glenn was born on December 15, 1926 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He was married and predeceased in death by Patricia Morrison (August 5, 1977) and Monetta Buckingham (November 23, 1999). Glenn is survived by Diana Jenkins-Fishbeck, his third loving wife. Glenn received education from Miami University, Dartmouth, Brandeis University, Dropsy College and Columbia University. He began his professional career as a Presbyterian Minister and was later employed by the National Security Agency as a Crypto Linguist, Cryptographer because of his unique language skills. Glenn enjoyed reading, writing and decoding languages, especially ancient Semitic languages. He was a member of Emanuel Messianic Jewish Congregation in Maryland and after retirement Shoresh David Congregation in Florida. His love of language provided the unusual attributes of subtle humor, wit, wisdom and endless charm throughout his life.

Glenn is survived by his wife Diana Fishbeck of Wesley Chapel Florida; his children Christine and Rob Rowand, Barbara and Steve Strickland, Carol and Bob Miller, Tom and Bhamaney Fishbeck, Sarah and Michael Kline; step-children Jeff and Holly Buckingham, Michaella Binns, Valecia Jenkins, Vania Jenkins and his sister Doris Smith.

Acknowledgements:

The family of Glenn H. Fishbeck wishes to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all your love and kindness throughout his illness. Your continuous outpouring of love and support has encouraged our hearts and strengthened our faith. Thanks to the medical practitioners Babatola Durajaiye, MD; James Condon, MD; nurses, CNAs, and other staff members of Gulf side Regional Hospice in Zephyrhills.

God Bless You All,

The Family