Edward Barsam

EDWARD BARSAM, age 92, of Aberdeen, MD died on April 6, 2006 at the Forest Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Barsam and Miriam Chuldjian Barsamian, and the husband of the late Priscilla A. Duda Barsam.

Mr. Barsam grew up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City and graduated in 1936 from what is now the City College SUNY with a degree in mechanical engineering. After a brief stint in the Persian rug business, he moved to Baltimore and started working for the Martin Company in Middle River. While there, he was proud to have played a part in the development of two concepts that revolutionized aircraft design: structural sandwich constructions using honeycomb cores and structural adhesive bonding of metal components. Every airplane flying today utilizes these concepts.

Mr. Barsam devoted 50 years of his career to working with honeycomb for aviation applications. This included developing new products, optimizing and troubleshooting the manufacturing process, and marketing and qualifying to potential clients. A good portion of his career was with American Cyanamid in Havre de Grace but he also worked for U.S. Plywood in New York and locally with Hexcell, Luria Cournand, General Grid, Pollux, and Alcore.
After retiring from American Cyanamid, Mr. Barsam pursued many interests including Elderhostel trips, boating, golf, photography, scuba diving, computer literacy, and personal fitness. His greatest pleasure was enjoying time spent with his grandchildren, who always looked forward to seeing their “Poppa”.

Mr. Barsam is survived by one son, Christopher E. Barsam, and his wife, Dale R. Barsam, of Bel Air. MD; one step-son, Gary Duda of Bondsville, MA; one brother, Albert Barsam of Palisades Park, NJ; one sister, Marion Haroutunian of Yonkers, NY; and six grandchildren, Benjamin C. Barsam, Hannah P. Barsam, Rachael M. Barsam and Jacob W. Barsam, all of Bel Air, MD and Nathan Duda and Raymond Duda, both of Bondsville, MA

Pallbearers were: Nathan Duda, Raymond Duda, Gary Duda, Carl Hildebrandt, Rev. H. James Riddell, and Frank Garbinski.

Contributions may be made to the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 257 Law Street, Aberdeen, MD 21001.

Those who desire may contribute to the Boy Scouts of America, 701 Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore, MD 21211.