Albert L. Braslow

Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 13, 2007

NEWPORT NEWS—Albert L. Braslow, 87, died Dec. 12, 2007, following a short illness.

Mr. Braslow was born in Yonkers, N.Y. He graduated from New York University before moving to the Peninsula in 1942 to join the war effort as an aeronautical engineer for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) at Langley Field.

He spent his career at

NACA, later renamed NASA, and became a respected authority in the field of laminar flow dynamics, the study of airflow over airplane wings.

He retired after 40 years, but continued to contribute to the aeronautical engineering literature with articles on Suction-Type Laminar Flow Control (LFC), its potential for drag reduction, significant increases in flight range, and the resulting reduction of fuel usage. He was a valued long-term member of the Board of the Langley Federal Credit Union, serving it with pride and tireless energy.

Upon his retirement from the Board, the members honored him as Board Member Emeritus. He was an active member of the Rodef Sholom Temple congregation.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Shoaf Braslow.

Survivors include his son, Dr. Charles Braslow of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; his daughter, Barbara Deyong of Newport News; son-in-law, Jeffrey Deyong of Smithfield; grandson, Adam Deyong; granddaughter, Samantha Chou and her husband, Jimmy; and great-grandson, Dylan Chou.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. today in the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to favorite charitable organizations.

Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.