JOHN DUGUNDJI Obituary

DUGUNDJI, John MIT Professor Emeritus of Aeronautical Engineering Age 95, died peacefully on December 20 in Cambridge, surrounded by the people who loved him most. Above all else, John cherished his family. His best friends throughout his life were his brother and cousins with whom he spent his childhood summers. John is survived by his daughter, Elenna Dugundji; daughter Elisa Friedman and her husband, Robb Friedman; his grandchildren Alexander and Adam; and his former wife, Wraye Dugundji. While John was renowned for his expertise in aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, and composite materials, those who knew him best admired his kindness, patience, and understated humility. When people would ask him what he did for work, he would say simply, "I'm a teacher." John was born in New York City on Oct. 25, 1925, to Greek immigrants Basile and Rosa (Finale) Dugundji. After graduating from George Washington High School, John pursued aerospace engineering, earning his undergraduate degree from New York University. He served the United States Navy during World War II as an aviation electronic technician's mate. In 1948, he completed his Master's degree in aeronautics and astronautics at MIT. Upon receiving his Doctor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from MIT in 1951, John worked in industry. He returned to MIT to join the AeroAstro faculty in 1957, where he remained until his retirement. In 2006, John received the Structures, Structural Dynamics, & Materials Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). One of the highest forms of recognition in his field, the award commemorates significant research and teaching contributions throughout his career. Colleagues and former students describe him as a great mentor, teacher, and scholar who greatly impacted their careers. In addition to his passion for engineering, John was a lifelong student with broad interests. He loved languages, history, the arts, and travel. Along with his former wife, he took a year-long sabbatical to Switzerland with an infant and a toddler in tow. He was the family photographer, builder of sandcastles, and note-taker, documenting his observations on small pieces of paper he kept tucked into his shirt pocket. John derived great joy from music, everything from opera to folk songs. He never shied away from the opportunity to play "Happy birthday" on his recorder. He also had a great fondness for ice cream, which he treated himself to nearly every night. A celebration of his life, complete with his favorite songs, poems, and desserts, will be held later in 2021. At the family's request, gifts may be made in his memory to the AeroAstro Graduate Fellowship Fund: https://giving.mit.edu/john-dugundji. Alternatively, checks may be made payable to MIT in memory of John Dugundji to the AeroAstro Graduate Fellowship Fund (account #3290600) and mailed to: Memorial Gifts Office, 600 Memorial Drive, W98-500, Cambridge, MA 02139.

View the online memorial for John DUGUNDJI

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 12 to Jan. 17, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN DUGUNDJI

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

It was with sadness that I recently received notification of your husband and our valued alumnus John's passing. I am writing to extend my deepest sympathy on behalf of the New York University Tandon School of Engineering and the Polytechnic Alumni Association.

He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched. Again, please accept my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Jelena Kovaevi

William R. Berkley Professor and Dean at NYU Tandon School of Engineering

January 28, 2021

I will always remember Dr. Dugundji's friendliness, kindness and humility. What a wonderful man and a wonderful life lived. Rest in eternal peace, Dr. Dugundji! Love to the Dugundji - Friedman family.

Jennifer Lee (Elisa and Robb's friend)

Friend

January 16, 2021

Mr. Dugundji,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Mike Casey

January 13, 2021

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in JOHN DUGUNDJI's name

Memorial Events
for JOHN DUGUNDJI

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support JOHN's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor JOHN DUGUNDJI's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more