Ernest Sternglass, physicist whose research helped world see first moon walk, dies at 91

ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Physicist Ernest Sternglass, whose research helped make it possible for the world to see the first moon walk, has died at age 91 of heart failure.

His research helped lead to a sensitive television camera tube that captured low-light lunar action during the 1969 moon landing and U.S. astronaut Neil Armstrong’s historic first steps.

Sternglass also conducted pioneering work in digital X-ray imaging during a long tenure at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, according to Cornell University, where Sternglass attended school and where his papers are archived. Sternglass died Feb. 12 in Ithaca, New York, Cornell said. He was born in 1923 and fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1938. As a 23-year-old Cornell graduate, he was working at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Washington, D.C., when he wrote to Albert Einstein in 1947 to offer an explanation on a scientific matter. To his surprise, he was invited to the famous scientist’s home in Princeton, New Jersey. Einstein told the young researcher not to pursue a career in theoretical physics and advised him to, instead, “always keep a cobbler’s job’’ and do useful things.

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Tony on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 at Victoria Hospital, in his 81st year, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s.

Formerly of Cape Breton, N.S. Devoted husband to his “best friend, soulmate and lover,” Marie. Cherished father to Sandra ( Jim), Shelly (2010) (Rob), Alan (April), beloved Papa of Jared (Martha), David, Jordan, Sabrina, and Meghan and loving great-grandpa of Kaylee, Magdalene and Joseph. Also sadly missed by his sisters, Evelyn and Dell and his brother, Archie, as well as many nieces and nephews, and many family members and friends.

Predeceased by his father, Charles Blois, Cape Breton, and his mother, Catherine Greene (Blois), by four brothers, Duncan McKinnon (Peggy), Cape Breton, N.S., William (Rita), London, Ernie and Calvin.

The family would like to thank the staff at Queen’s Village Retirement Home for their excellent care and support.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Thursday, Feb. 26 from 7-9 p.m. at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1997 Dundas St. East, London (one block east of Clarke Road).

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 27 at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Terry Fox Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be offered at www.forestlawnmemorial.ca.