Memorial Service to Be Held for McCreery, Ex-President of Rohr
A private memorial service is planned for Frank E. McCreery, a former president and vice chairman of Rohr Industries in Chula Vista. McCreery, a Poway resident, died Sunday at Alvarado Hospital Medical Center of natural causes. He was 72.
McCreery, born in Pennsylvania, was graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 1939 with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.
He worked briefly as an engineer for Ryan Aeronautical Co. before joining Rohr Industries as assistant chief engineer. He was employed by the company Aug. 26, 1940, 20 days after the company was incorporated, said company spokesman Roger Renstrom.
McCreery was a member of the company’s “Eighth and J Gang” of people employed at the company’s first plant at Eighth and J streets, Renstrom said.
McCreery, who retired in 1976, joined the company in celebrating its 50th anniversary Aug. 6, and in its growth from a handful of workers to 11,600 employees today, he said. The company designs and manufactures aircraft engine nacelle systems, or casings, for commercial, military and business aircraft.
“(McCreery) displayed courage, vision, and determination as one of the Rohr pioneers and executives, and he will be missed,” said Robert H. Goldsmith, Rohr’s chairman and chief executive.
McCreery served as a member of the company’s board of directors from 1965 to 1976, as president from 1970 to 1974 and vice chairman from 1973 to 1976. During his 36 years with the company, he also was executive chief engineer, vice president of engineering, vice president of manufacturing, senior vice president and executive vice president. He became a corporate officer in 1953.
McCreery was an officer of the Aerospace Industries Assn. and the Society of Automotive Engineers, and a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He was also a supporter of the Boy Scouts and an avid golfer.
McCreery is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons James (Kallee) McCreery and Douglas McCreery, both of Escondido, and Michael McCreery of San Diego; daughter Maureen Nicks of San Diego; brother Jack McCreery of San Luis Obispo; four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
