Morton O. Heinrich's Obituary
Morton Ochs Heinrich of La Jolla, California. Morton died peacefully in his sleep at La Jolla, California on January 3rd, 2018. He was 88 years old. A native of the Bronx, NY, Mort attended Bronx HS of Science, graduating in 1947. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the ‘Ruf Neks’ spirit squad. He graduated in December 1950 with a BS degree in Mathematics and a minor in Physics. Soon after graduation, he was recruited as a ‘Junior Professional’ by the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, CA and assigned to the Test Station’s Annex in Pasadena, California, where he started in April 1951. He initially served on the Mark-40 Torpedo project, and was soon assigned to the Mark-32 Torpedo. In 1956, Mort was reassigned to the EX-2A torpedo project in Key West, Florida. In 1957, he was promoted to both Program Engineer & Program Manager for the Mark 44, Mod 1 Torpedo. His capstone assignment began in 1963, when he became the program manager of the Mark 46 Mod 1 torpedo, which became the [NATO] standard lightweight torpedo for the US and its allies. He held this position for 17 years, and the Mark 46 Torpedo patent (#4,306,512) bears his name. He led the development and introduction of every modification and the Mark 46 torpedo remains in service today. In 1981, Mort became the Technical Director and Program Manager of the Mark 50 torpedo, and held this position until his completion of government service in 1984. He was awarded the Naval Ocean Systems Center’s 1984 Lauritsen-Bennett Award, the highest award given by the center in recognition of his decades of achievement and his role as the Navy’s acknowledged leader in lightweight torpedoes & countermeasures. After government service, Mort worked for Honeywell & Alliant Tech Systems for another ten years. He was an avid Contract Bridge player, and both he and his wife were named Life Masters by the American Contract Bridge League in 1970. He met the love of his life on a blind date in 1955 and is survived by his wife of 62 years, the former Eileen Denise Beckerman of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by son retired Admiral Mark Heinrich of Aliso Viejo, CA, and daughter Marjorie Heinrich, a lawyer, of Oakland, California. He leaves behind two grandchildren – Jared Heinrich and Colin Heinrich – both of New York City.A private celebration of life is planned.
What’s your fondest memory of Morton?
What’s a lesson you learned from Morton?
Share a story where Morton's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Morton you’ll never forget.
How did Morton make you smile?