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Author
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Topic: Rocco Petrone, Apollo director (1926-2006)
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 47881
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-29-2006 03:48 PM
   
collectSPACE Rocco Petrone, Apollo launch director, dies at 80Rocco Petrone, who served as NASA associate administrator, Marshall Space Flight Center director and Apollo program manager, died on Thursday (Aug. 24) at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California. He was 80. Petrone personally directed the first five manned Apollo launches, culminating in the Apollo 11 first lunar landing. In 1969, he was chosen by NASA to lead Apollo, giving Petrone overall responsibility for the management of the moon flights.  |
nasamad
Member Posts: 2181
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 08-29-2006 04:05 PM
A giant of a man, my sympathies to his family and colleagues.R.I.P. |
ejectr
Member Posts: 1882
From: Killingly, CT
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 08-29-2006 06:36 PM
Another reason our space program was so successful goes to his final reward.Thank you Rocco. |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 3011
From: Titusville, FL
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 08-29-2006 07:17 PM
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Petrone a few years ago. I asked him to autograph my Apollo 11 scrapbook. He seemed genuinely touched that I wanted him to sign it. A true gentleman and an American hero.Godspeed to you Rocco and thank you. My sympathies to your family. |
spacecraft films
Member Posts: 802
From: Columbus, OH USA
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 08-29-2006 07:34 PM
Another great gone. Peace, Rocco Petrone. |
collocation
Member Posts: 387
From: McLean, VA
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 08-29-2006 08:18 PM
I may be mistaken, but I believed he also played football, may have been during the famous "four horseman" days, a true giant. |
randy
Member Posts: 2544
From: West Jordan, Utah USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 08-29-2006 11:07 PM
. |
John K. Rochester
Member Posts: 1292
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 08-30-2006 09:21 AM
Rocco and his mates from the Apollo Program are probably having a very nice reunion right about now. Godspeed Rocco Petrone, every year the list of living Apollo pioneers gets shorter and shorter.. |
Naraht
Member Posts: 232
From: Oxford, UK
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 08-30-2006 10:27 AM
Rest in peace. |
DavidH
Member Posts: 1258
From: Huntsville, AL, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
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posted 08-30-2006 10:40 AM
The bio only mentions of the years 1973 and 1974 that he was the MSFC Director; but during that time he is recalled as a looming figure in the Skylab program, particularly during the work done after the station launch to get the first crew ready to save the crippled station.Stories from MSFC workers involved in that experience invariably talk about Petrone, and his dedication; showing up at all hours and sitting in on meetings to check on progress and what was needed. |
Jay
Member Posts: 82
From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA
Registered: May 2005
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posted 08-30-2006 10:54 AM
It was with considerable sadness that I read of the passing of Dr. Petrone. I have been fortunate over the years to have had the opportunity to talk with many of the great KSC pioneers over the years, and I had the feeling during our conversations that nobody was respected more than Rocco Petrone. Everyone seemed to have a funny story relating to Rocco, but the bottom line always pointed to his absolute dedication and ability to motivate people. A true giant in the space program is gone. |
Dave Clow
Member Posts: 236
From: South Pasadena, CA 91030
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 08-30-2006 03:18 PM
A reminder of how lucky we all are to have shared this time with men of vision, valor, and will. Sic itur ad astra. |
Whizzospace
Member Posts: 110
From: San Antonio, TX
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-30-2006 07:22 PM
So sobering to see another great pioneer depart. Never had the honor of meeting him, but have heard a few of the astros speak of him, (most recently Dave Scott in San Antonio), and always with respect and admiration. RIP. |
dss65
Member Posts: 1281
From: Sandpoint, ID, USA
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 08-30-2006 08:47 PM
. |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 953
From: South Bend, IN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 08-31-2006 03:11 PM
One of my most significant non-astronaut autographs in the Apollo days was getting a cover in the mail signed by Rocco Petrone. What a thrill that was!Thank you for all your contributions to our beloved manned space programs. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3408
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-31-2006 05:25 PM
"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."Tennyson: "Ulysses." |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 47881
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-31-2006 07:41 PM
The U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation is seeking anecdotes about and/or personal memories of Dr. Petrone for inclusion in a memorial book that will be placed at their museum. Those with relevant material, should contact SWOF President Charlie Mars at cmars@cfl.rr.com. |
SRB
Member Posts: 258
From:
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 09-02-2006 10:44 AM
It was a little late but The New York Times published a very nice obituary for Rocco Petrone. It was written by John Noble Wilford, the Times' long-time science reporter who knew Petrone. |
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