Martin Buckman

BUCKMAN, Martin Surrounded by his loving family, died at the age of 94 on Friday, January 5, 2018. Mr. Buckman was a world recognized leader in aerospace engineering. His career in industry included work on all types of aircraft including, airplanes, helicopters, missiles, and spacecraft. During the 1960s at Grumman, Mr. Buckman was a member of the team of engineers who built the “LEM”, the Lunar Excursion Module, used in the Apollo moon landing.

After decades in industry, Mr. Buckman went on to work for the FAA, responsible for safety and airworthiness in propeller aircraft. Mr. Buckman travelled the globe to provide insight and direction to helicopter and airplane manufacturers and their parts suppliers to insure the safety and compliance of their products. In addition Mr. Buckman was often called upon to review aviation crashes to determine the cause of accidents and recommend corrective action to spare lives and prevent future loss. Because of his breadth of knowledge and expertise, Mr. Buckman was given the special designation of becoming a U.S. National Resource in 1996 when the FAA created a panel of experts to lead international innovation in the area of aviation. In this capacity, Mr. Buckman was the designated expert in propeller design and material specifications. After over 30 years of civil service to the people of the United States, Mr. Buckman retired in 2000.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Buckman will be remembered by all for his modesty, sense of humor, and gardening skills. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 63 years, his children and his grandchildren. A track star in his youth, Mr. Buckman loved to swim and was an avid Boston Sports Fan, always seen in either a Patriots or Red Sox cap or jacket and never anywhere other than in front of a t.v. during game time.

Mr. Buckman will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who had the great fortune to know and love him. Services were already held.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Service Date: 01/01/1970