Rothrock, Addison M.: 6/24/1971

Dr. Addison M. Rothrock

 

Word has been received here of the death June 24 of Dr. Addison M. Rothrock, a West Chester High School graduate with many ties to Chester county. He was 68.

 

Retired associate director of plans and programs for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he died at Circle Terrace Hospital, Alexandria, Va., after a heart attack. He was a son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Harry A. Rothrock.

 

Dr. Rothrock was credited with contributing to significant advances in technology for aircraft and rocket engines during his 45 years as a propulsion research scientist and administrator.

 

After his 1921 graduation from West Chester, he went to Penn State University and in 1926, joined the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, NASA's predecessor.

 

After retiring in 1963, Dr. Rothrock became a professor of applied science for five years at George Washington University. He served on many high-level advisory committees and was a member of several scientific societies.

 

Surviving are his wife, Elizabeth Bland Rothrock of Alexandria; three sisters, Mrs. Herman Heise and Mrs. Richard Askew, both of Denver, Colo.; Miss E. Cleves Rothrock of Philadelphia; two brothers, Joseph T., of Johnstown and a twin, Dr. Harry A., Jr., of Westtown.1