Dr. Albert J. Glassman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Albert J. Glassman (aka Uncle, Uncle Albert, Chenny, Sonney), a longtime resident of Alexandria, Virginia, formerly of Los Angeles, California, Revere, Massachusetts, and Whitman, Massachusetts. Albert was born on January 13th, 1935, and transitioned out of this life on September 30th, 2026. He was born in Plymouth, MA at Jordan Hospital to the late Helen & Louis Glassman.

Through his journey of 91 years, he touched many lives with his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering spirit of perseverance.

Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Albert was a lifelong learner and a devoted academic. He loved conversation, problem-solving, and the simple joy of seeing others learn something new.

Among the many milestones of his well-lived life, he had a distinguished career in U.S. intelligence, space systems, and GPS policy.

He earned a BS in Engineering at Northeastern University, an MS in engineering at MIT, a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering at UCLA, later a Juris Doctorate degree from George Washington University Law School, and completed an international law program at Cambridge University in England. His honors included the DCI’s National Intelligence Achievement Medal; the Station Chief’s Achievement Award, was a NASA fellow, and received the Rensselaer Medal for Science and Mathematics.

He co-authored two major U.S. policy actions: President Clinton’s May 2000 announcement terminating the denial of full GPS accuracy to civil users worldwide and President Bush’s December 2004 National Security Presidential Directive on Positioning, Navigation, and Timing policy, a redefinition of GPS policy.

Albert also worked on satellite operations and analyses for missions to Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and its moon Titan. He contributed to Apollo Lunar Module moon landing guidance, Project SAINT space-vehicle analysis, and Minuteman launch-control planning.

He attended law school from ages 60 to 64 and enjoyed running many road races with his family. He did not start running marathons until age 65, some of which included the Boston Marathon, Marine Corp Marathon, Disney World Marathon, and Air Force Marathon to name a few.

Albert also loved spending time with family and friends, especially during the holidays and made many trips back and forth from Virginia to Massachusetts throughout the years.

His remarkable life will forever be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with curiosity and resilience.

He carried himself with humility despite a lifetime of extraordinary accomplishments.

His life was a testament to intellect paired with integrity, and with the idea that one person — working quietly, diligently, and with purpose — can help move the world forward. Albert's legacy will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his sister Harriet Snyder (husband Richard), nephew Lee Snyder (wife Etsuko), nieces Robyn Kirrane (husband Stanley), and Becky Snyder-Ballou (husband Sean), along with great nieces Madison Kirrane, Kaylyn Kirrane, Nia Kirrane, Ella Snyder, Sasa Snyder, and great nephew Titan Snyder. Preceded in death by his half-brother Robert Glassman.

In addition, our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Stone Hill at Andover & Benchmark at Billerica Crossings for the wonderful care and kindness shown to Albert during his final years. The family also extends a special thanks to the staff of Beacon Hospice for their care and support they provided.

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

"May his memory be a blessing."

A Graveside Service will be held at Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 11:30 am with livestream viewing available using the following link: https://www.levinelive.com/albertglassman

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://lbda.org/donate or the Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org