Bernard L. Koff, 94, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, passed away on November 2, 2021. Ben was born in Huntington, Long Island, New York on March 24, 1927. Ben received a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University, an M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from New York State University and an Honorary Doctor of Science from Clarkson University. Ben married Sonia Gordon on March 30, 1952, and they were happily married for 57 years.
Ben was a pioneer whose leadership in the gas turbine industry for 60 years produced a host of innovative breakthroughs in design and development. With General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, from which he retired as Executive Vice President of Engineering and Technology, his contributions impacted the design and development of over half of all jet engines flying. His patents and highly regarded technical papers cover the entire spectrum of jet engine design and manufacturing technology.
The score of honors and awards Ben received are among the highest that his industry can bestow and include the ASME/AIAA/SAE Daniel Guggenheim Medal, Air Force Association Theodore von Karman Award, AIAA Reed Aeronautics Award, AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award, AIAA Engineer of the Year, AIAA & SAE Littlewood Lecture Award, ASME Tom Sawyer Award, SAE Franklin Kolk Award, SAE Garrett Turbomachinery Award, the GE Perry Egbert Award and the P&W George Mead Medal.
Ben also was awarded positions of Fellow and Honorary Member of the ASME, Fellow of both the AIAA and SAE and member of the National Academy of Engineering. Speaking about Ben, the late Mr. Ben Rich, former President of Lockheed Skunk Works said: “Ben Koff is without question the most outstanding gas turbine jet engine designer since the inventors Whittle and von Ohain created jet propulsion.”
Ben stayed active his entire life mentoring his entire family in the hobbies he loved, including, shotgun shooting, precision rifle and pistol shooting, ballroom dancing, tennis, bicycling, motorcycling, making and flying model airplanes, and carrying out general repairs.
Ben is survived by his children, Cheryl Bernstein, Steven Koff and Laurie Troy, his grandchildren, Daniel Bernstein, William Bernstein, Andrew Koff, Ana Koff, Jordan Troy and Alex Troy, and his great grandchildren, Levi Bernstein, Belle Bernstein and Solomon Bernstein.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 9:00am, November 5, 2021, at I.J. Morris at Star of David Cemetery of the Palm Beaches, 9321 Memorial Park Road, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33412.
To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.starofdavidfunerals.com.
