Gerald Bennett Brandt, 85, of New Wilmington, PA, passed away on September 30, 2023. Gerald was born in Pittsburgh, PA, to Mary Leone Bennett and Weldon Henry Brandt on April 20, 1938.
Gerry's inquisitive mind was clear from age four when he noted that shadows came from blocking the sun. He prepared at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, then studied Physics at Harvard College where he played clarinet in the marching band, was a member of Dudley House and from which he received his A.B. degree in 1960. Gerry earned an M.S. degree in 1963 and a Ph.D. in 1966, both from Carnegie Institute of Technology.
Gerry started his career at sixteen as an intern at Westinghouse, continuing as an advisory scientist in the Westinghouse Research & Development Center, exploring electro-optics, holography and laser applications. He published six patents that showed the practical use of fiber optics. He earned the Westinghouse Signature Award of Excellence.
Gerry and his wife Susan Eleanor Matson, whom he married on February 18, 1961, were founding members of the Moraine Sailing Club and spent many Saturdays racing 470s. Gerry also sailed Sunfish and Laser and served as club Commodore. In recent years, he enjoyed the Challenges Bowling League. Gerry and Susan delighted in going to the symphony, opera and plays. Together with Susan, Gerry passed his love for learning, reading, science, historic preservation, and the arts to their children.
Gerald is preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Tom) Wilkins. Gerald is survived by Susan, his loving wife of 61 years, and their children Karen (Phil) Bolden, Laura (Frank Mazzotti) Brandt, Kristin (Dave) Love, and Dean Brandt, and grandchildren Dan, Sarah, and Rachel Bolden and Jonathan, Rebecca, and Patrick Love.
