Larry E. Sack

Larry E. Sack, 86, of Los Angeles, CA, passed away at home on February 26th, 2024 at 7:15 am surrounded by family.

Larry was born on June 2nd, 1937 to Frank and Margaret in Hettinger, ND. After Larry graduated from Reeder High School in 1955, he went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota at Fargo with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later obtained a Masters degree from UCLA.  

When Larry was in 5th grade, he met who was to be his future wife, Marlys. Larry and Marlys were married on June 4, 1958. They went on to have 7 children - Robert, William, Ronald, Dennis, Richard, Maria, and JoAnn. 

Following graduation, he and Marlys relocated to Southern California where Larry began his career at Rocketdyne. Larry joined the Dynamics group where he specialized in rocket engine transient analysis and the analysis of flow induced vibrations in flexible ducting. His efforts significantly influenced the development of the large rocket engines that would eventually take the United States to the Moon. He pioneered analysis techniques still used today across the aerospace industry to assess resonance and structural integrity in rocket engine flexible fluid lines. Larry also played a key role in the development of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) – specifically helping to define the complex start and shutdown valve sequences that enabled the engine and all of its components to safely transition from start to full power and then shutdown again. This was no small feat given the tremendous energies involved, the complexity of the engine’s staged combustion cycle, and the precise timing necessary.  

Throughout his career, Larry moved up the Rocketdyne organization serving in various leadership roles that included: Managing the Dynamics group, Director of the Design Technology organization, and eventually as the Vice President of the Quality Assurance organization. He retired after 42 years of service in 2001. 

After retirement, Larry spent his time building his own locomotive train and held membership with the Los Angeles Live Steamers. When he wasn’t working on his train, Larry loved spending time golfing with friends and visiting with his children and grandchildren. 

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Margaret, as well as his sister, Ann Heinz. 

He is survived by his wife Marlys, son Robert (Lynn), granddaughter Lauren (Zach), great-granddaughter Zoey, great-grandson Wyatt, granddaughter Bailey, son William (Marcia), granddaughter Danielle (Mikey), great-granddaughter Coralee, great-grandson Finley, grandson Jarrett, son Ronald (Wendy), grandson Blake, granddaughter Taylor (Morgan), grandson Mitchell, son Dennis (Suzanne), grandson Nicholas (Vivienne), son Richard (Rochelle), grandson Tanner, granddaughter Karsyn, granddaughter Katie, daughter Maria, and daughter JoAnn (Randal), granddaughter Cariann, grandson Brock, and granddaughter Cannyn.

Services will be held at Our Lady Of The Valley Church on Thursday, March 21st, 2024 at 10 am with burial at Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, CA following. A reception will be held at the Sack home following the service. Please stop by for food, exchange stories, and toast to a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.