Lawrence T. Cargnino

Lawrence T. “Larry” Cargnino, professor emeritus of the school of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University for 39 years passed away Saturday, January 14, 2012 in West Lafayette.
He was born in Virden, IL on December 27, 1912 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Cargnino. He grew up in Girard, IL where he graduated from Girard High School in 1931.
Later he graduated from Illinois State University in 1941. During that year he took an assignment with the Army Air Corp. as an instructor at Chanute Field, Rantoul, IL and later at Seymour Johnson Field in Goldsboro, NC. Following his graduation from the Pratt & Whitney Engineering Officers Engine School in 1942, he worked at Ford?s aircraft plant in Willow Run, MI where the B-24 bomber aircraft were built and later with Boeing aircraft plant in Seattle, WA, where the B-29 bomber aircraft were built until August 1945.
He joined the Purdue School of Aeronautical Engineering as an instructor in September, 1945 shortly after the school was formed on July 1, 1945.
He received an M.S. degree from Purdue University in 1948 and was promoted to asst. professor the following year. In 1960 he was promoted to assoc. professor. In his early days at Purdue he was primarily involved in developing a new program in air transportation in the newly formed school. This program was later revised and offered as an option in the curriculum of the school. Meanwhile he expanded and developed his area in propulsion in the school which by this time had extended to turbo jet, turbo prop as well as rocket type propulsion. He was the major co-author of a college text in the field of aerospace propulsion widely used during the 1950-60?s. In 1965 he developed a Cooperative Engineering Education program with most of the Aerospace companies and the school. This program continues in the school.
In 1995 during his retirement he was c0-author of a book titled: “One Small Step- a History of the First 50 Years of the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue.” He was the last remaining member of the original group of faculty when the school was formed in 1945. He served on various university committees during his tenure including; University Senate 1960-64, Parking and Traffic 1964-68, Chairman 1965-68. He was a past member of American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics. During his tenure at Purdue he was the faculty sponsor of the Purdue Glider Club from 1945-65. He developed a 30 minute weekly program on WBAA titled: “This Week in Aviation” given by students in the school under his guidance.
He married Frances E. O?Reilly in 1944 in Pellston, MI and she survives. Surviving along with his wife are four daughters; Carolyn Bell husband Bob of Mission Viejo, CA, Barbara Kam of West Lafayette, Marilyn Bruce husband Tom of Leawood, KS, Sharon DeCamp husband Arthur of Huntingdon, PA, eight grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by two sisters.
He was a charter member of Church of the Blessed Sacrament, and was a member of the MCL Coffee Klatch group where he and several other members formed a harmonica band known as the “Blow-hards” that entertained local community groups.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm with Rosary service at 5 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Soller-Baker West Lafayette Chapel 1184 Sagamore Parkway W. West Lafayette, IN 47906 with Funeral Mass at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Church of the Blessed Sacrament 2224 Sacramento Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47906 Fr. David Buckles officiating. Entombment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute to St. Elizabeth Hospice in Lawrence?s name.