Robert J. Polutchko

Robert J. Polutchko (88) passed away at his home in Potomac, MD on November 17, 2025, surrounded by family.   

Robert (Bob) was born on July 20,1937 in Berwick, PA where he lived until he moved to Cleveland, TN as a high school senior, graduating from Bradley High School in 1955. Guided by a lifelong fascination with space and exploration, Bob was the second in his family to attend college. He attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1959 and a Master of Science degree in 1961, both in Aeronautics and Astronautics. At MIT he was captain of the MIT basketball team, a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and as an MIT CO-OP he spent 6 months with the Glenn L. Martin company in Baltimore, MD.  Following graduation, Bob worked at the MIT Aerophysics Laboratory for 6 years. 

In 1965, Bob began his 32 year career with the Martin Marietta Corporation, later named the Lockheed Martin Corporation, which lead him to Denver, CO.  Early in his career Bob worked on the Viking Mars Lander program, where he developed the first parachute to be opened in the Martian atmosphere and an innovative engine for the soft landing of the Viking lander on Mars, both critical to the success of the Viking Mission. After 10+ years on Viking, Bob became Director of Special Programs, leading a critically important national security program.  His success on Special Programs catapulted him into the executive ranks of Martin Marietta Denver and then Lockheed Martin Corporate headquarters.  Bob retired in 1997 as the Vice President for Technical Operations, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Sector.  Following his retirement Bob continued his commitment to space and national security serving on the NASA Advisory Council Task Force for the International Space Station (1998) and on the NASA Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council.

During his career, Bob earned the Martin Marietta Corporation’s Engineer of the Year Award in 1972 and received the NASA Public Service Award and Medal in 1977 for his technical and management contributions to the two Viking spacecraft that landed on Mars in 1976. He also was a member of NASA’s Aeronautics Advisory Council, chairman of the Aerospace Industries Association’s Technical Operations Council, and a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

Bob met Mary (Betty) Mills, who became his loving wife of 64 years, on a blind-date in late-1960 while at MIT. They built a beautiful life together anchored in their Catholic faith, love of family, and the simple joys of raising their four children, Bob Jr, Diane, Carol and Karla. Together they enjoyed family picnics at Buffalo Creek, Christmas vacations in Vail, white-water rafting in CO, and cross-country road-trips. His love for family expanded with the addition of each of their eight grandchildren.  Many of his happiest days were spent at the beach in Delaware, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, often a Labrador or two, indulging in Maryland crab, Delaware sweet corn, late night card games and spirited conversation.

Bob instilled the values of hard work and ingenuity in his family. He maintained his own cars, assembled his own color TVs, and taught his children to build a stereo system from the ground up. Sports were also a lifelong passion. He was a loyal Cleveland Indians fan in a Yankee household as a young man and a 58-year Denver Broncos season ticket holder.  At just 16, he ran away from home to try out for the New York Giants baseball team, and earned a spot on the farm team. He instilled his passion for sports in his four children who, like him, played basketball and many other sports. He taught his children and grandchildren to play backgammon and chess and turned golf into a beloved family pastime. His integrity, intelligence, quick wit, warm humor, and steady presence will be dearly missed.

Robert is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Nellie (Mazetis) Polutchko, brother John Polutchko Jr. and sons-in-law David Brown and Steven McBride. He is survived by his loving wife Mary (Mills) Polutchko, their four children and their spouses, Robert and Kathleen Polutchko, Diane Polutchko, Carol and Daniel Vernon, Karla Brown and his 8 adoring adult grandchildren, Nicholas Polutchko and wife Jessica, Thomas Polutchko, Connor and Andrew Vernon, Jacob, Timothy and Katarina Brown and Mitchell Polutchko.

Services will be held Friday November 28, 2025 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, MD. Viewing from 10-11am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM.  Internment to follow at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Cemetery, Potomac, MD.

In lieu of flowers, honoring Robert's lifelong dedication to faith, science, education, and service, the family requests donations be made in Robert’s name to:

The Metro Washington Chapter of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation Inc. - P.O. Box 60868, 10221 River Road, Potomac, MD 20859-0868 (https://metro-washington.arcsfoundation.org/support-us/donate-now-2),

OR TO:

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Parish - 9200 Kentsdale Dr, Potomac, MD 20854 (https://olom.org/)