Robert Graham Mende

Robert Graham Mende, of Pompton Plains, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2013. He was 86. He was born in Newark, NJ, and grew up in Maplewood. A devoted husband and father, Mr. Mende raised his family in Convent Station, NJ. After retirement, he and his wife, Joan, split their time between NJ and their home in Cape Coral, FL. Following the passing of his wife, Mr. Mende moved to Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, NJ. Mr. Mende was a graduate of the NY State Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler (1947), and he received a BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute (1951). Following graduation from Webb, Mr. Mende served in the Navy at the Charleston Shipyard. Mr. Mende worked for Foster-Wheeler (1953-56); Bird-Johnson Co. (1956-62); and as senior naval architect at J. J. Henry Company (1962-69). In 1969, Mr. Mende became the Executive Director of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, a position he held until retirement in 1991. Webb remained a central part of Mr. Mende’s life, serving as a Trustee and as an active member of the Alumni Association. Mr. Mende was the recipient of numerous awards in the field of naval architecture, including the Vice Admiral E.S. “Jerry” Land Medal (1991) for outstanding lifetime accomplishments in the field. Mr. Mende is predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Joan Barbara Tamlyn. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Mende Senus, of Mason, NH; his son, Robert G. Mende, Jr., of Santa Cruz, CA; and his grandson, Liam James Mende.