Obituary of Robert L. Fullman

Niskayuna - Robert L. Fullman, 88, of Punta Gorda, Florida died of cancer January 12, 2011, surrounded by his family. Bob was born in 1922 in Sewickley, PA. He met his future wife while in high school and they married in 1944 following his graduation from Yale University and commissioning as a naval officer. Bob served in World War II in the Pacific aboard the destroyer USS HOWORTH, surviving several kamikaze attacks. Bob completed graduate studies at Yale, leading to a Doctorate in Metallurgical Engineering, and began employment with the GE Research Laboratory in 1948. Bob's 35 year career in research and management at GE R&D involved technical work on high performance alloys and ceramic materials, fuel cells, and non-destructive testing - leading to nine patents. Bob continued as a consultant to GE for five years following his retirement in 1983, winning the R&D Center's Dushman award in 1986 as part of a team developing an ultrasonic microscope. Bob was named a Fellow of the American Society of Metals in 1971, and was Secretary-Treasurer of Acta Metallurgica, an international metallurgical research organization, for 34 years. Bob received Acta's J.Herbert Holloman Award in 1995. Bob was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather who put his family first. He was a skilled sailor who raced for many years with the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda. Bob was also an avid amateur musician; he played violin and recorder, and he sang with his late wife in the Good Times Singers in Punta Gorda. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris, in 2005, as well as his brother, James B. Fullman. Survivors include his daughter, Janice G. Fullman of Manchester MA; his son J. M. Grant Fullman and his wife Cynthia W. Fullman of Duanesburg; and grandchildren Nancy E. Fullman of Seattle, WA and Gregory R. Fullman, of Arlington, MA. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be arranged by the family subsequent to cremation. Bob's ashes will be placed with those of his late wife in the Gerald B. H. Solomon - Saratoga National Cemetery. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. William Busino, Dr. Stewart Silvers, and all of the staff of Hospice of Schenectady County for their gentle kindness and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady NY, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Charlotte County, FL, or other charity of one's choice.