Jack Wilson Abbott
October 12, 1937 ~ November 18, 2018
Jack Wilson Abbott was born on October 12, 1937 in Kansas City MO and passed away on November 18, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of Wilson and Margerie Abbott. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Josephine Pikula Abbott; sons Nicholas Christian Abbott and Robert Koehler Abbott; daughter-in-law Melissa Anne Gervasio; granddaughter Evelyn Anne Abbott.
Jack was the founder and president of AOC Incorporated, a company specializing in the incorporation of modular ship design in several classes of Navy vessels.
Jack graduated from Stanford University (’59) with a degree in mechanical engineering and enlisted in the Navy ROTC. Upon graduation he served for two years (’60-’62) active duty on the USS Braine (DD630), after which he was honorably discharged from the Navy as a LCDR. He went on to receive an MEA from George Washington University (’75).
For over 50 years he dedicated his professional life to the U.S. Navy. In his early career, he was the lead engineer in revolutionizing the propulsion plants of modern US and Canadian destroyers by producing design criteria for gas turbine engines. He pioneered modular ship design for the U.S. Navy becoming highly respected in industry circles. A lifelong member of ASNE and SNAME, he was considered a leader in his field, and among his colleagues he earned the moniker “The Father of Modularity.”
Jack, a devoted family man, was an avid golfer, skier, history buff, and he had a passion for music. In his youth he enjoyed playing in big bands as well as orchestras and instilled a love of music in both his sons.
Visitation will be at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave., West, Vienna, VA on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 5pm-8pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Thomas a Becket Church, 1421 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA on Friday, November 30th 2018 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Zero – The end of prostate cancer (www.zerocancer.org) in Jack’s honor. Online condolences and fond memories of Jack may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
Jack was the founder and president of AOC Incorporated, a company specializing in the incorporation of modular ship design in several classes of Navy vessels.
Jack graduated from Stanford University (’59) with a degree in mechanical engineering and enlisted in the Navy ROTC. Upon graduation he served for two years (’60-’62) active duty on the USS Braine (DD630), after which he was honorably discharged from the Navy as a LCDR. He went on to receive an MEA from George Washington University (’75).
For over 50 years he dedicated his professional life to the U.S. Navy. In his early career, he was the lead engineer in revolutionizing the propulsion plants of modern US and Canadian destroyers by producing design criteria for gas turbine engines. He pioneered modular ship design for the U.S. Navy becoming highly respected in industry circles. A lifelong member of ASNE and SNAME, he was considered a leader in his field, and among his colleagues he earned the moniker “The Father of Modularity.”
Jack, a devoted family man, was an avid golfer, skier, history buff, and he had a passion for music. In his youth he enjoyed playing in big bands as well as orchestras and instilled a love of music in both his sons.
Visitation will be at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave., West, Vienna, VA on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 5pm-8pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Thomas a Becket Church, 1421 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA on Friday, November 30th 2018 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Zero – The end of prostate cancer (www.zerocancer.org) in Jack’s honor. Online condolences and fond memories of Jack may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
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With warm and grateful memories of Jack during years of service to the American Society of Naval Engineers, our deep condolences to Jo and family, from Dr. Alfred Skolnick, Past President of ASNE, and Sally Skolnick, Executive Director Emeritus.
Jack was a wonderful leader and teacher. He was proud of his contribution to Modular Open Architecture and enthusiastically shared his knowledge with his team. He loved the Navy and tried his best to improve their designs and processes. He will be missed, by his family, friends and nation.