Robert Daniel Kolacki

In Loving Memory of Robert Daniel Kolacki 

Robert Daniel Kolacki, a respected electrical engineer whose career spanned more than six decades of service to the United States defense and aerospace communities, passed away surrounded by the legacy of a life devoted to engineering, innovation, and public service. 

Robert began his professional career in 1964, embarking on a remarkable journey in electrical engineering that would continue for more than 60 years. Throughout his career, he contributed his expertise to some of the nation's most important defense, intelligence, aerospace, and electronic systems programs. 

His professional path included work with Westinghouse Electric Systems Defense, NAVWAR/SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego, SAIC/EngiIity, Serco, SAIC, American Systems, LinQuest Corporation, and L3Harris Technologies. His work encompassed electronics systems engineering, program analysis, acquisition engineering, systems integration, modeling and simulation, software engineering, test and evaluation, cybersecurity, and technical leadership. 

Robert was particularly proud of his contributions supporting the US. Department Of Defense, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the National Reconnaissance Office, the US. Navy, and other government organizations. Over the years, he worked on complex and highly sensitive programs, bringing together technical knowledge, practical engineering judgment and an unwavering commitment to mission success. 

Among his many areas of expertise were electronic warfare, radar systems, communications, sensor systems, unmanned systems, missile and aircraft programs, satellite systems, and advanced defense technologies. His career reflected not only his technical abilities but also his dedication to mentoring, problem- solving, and supporting the engineers and organizations around him. 

Robert pursued his education throughout his career, earning degrees and advanced training in computer science, engineering, applied science, finance, accounting, electrical engineering, and engineering management. His lifelong commitment to learning was characteristic of a man who believed that there was always something new to understand and another challenge worth solving. He was especially proud to receive one of his many degrees from Cornell University. 

Beyond the impressive list of positions, programs, and accomplishments, Robert will be remembered most for the knowledge, perseverance, professionalism, and dedication he brought to his life's work. His career stands as a testament to the impact one engineer can have across generations of technology and national service. 

He leaves behind a professional legacy measured not only in decades of engineering accomplishment, but in the systems developed, missions supported, colleagues influenced, and knowledge passed on to others. 

Robert Daniel Kolacki will be deeply missed and long remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives and work he touched. 

"A life devoted to engineering is a life spent building something that lasts."