Robert Lasken

Robert Alexander Lasken (1943 – 2020)

Robert (Bob) Alexander Lasken of Clifton, Virginia, passed away on May 4, 2020. He was 76 years old at the time of his death. Bob was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Francine Sobel Lasken, his children Rachelle (Noah Kaufman) and Jonathan (Diana Wielocha), his grandchildren Benjamin and Jason, and his sister Janette Gilman. Bob was preceded in death by his brother Jesse Lasken.

Bob was born in Washington, DC to Herman and Adele Lasken and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Maryland and Michigan. He met his wife at the University of Michigan. They shared an interest in history, archaeology, and geology. They settled in Virginia where they raised their family. Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Vacation time was often spent traveling to historic, archaeological, and geological sites. Bob loved sports, both as a spectator and a participant and shared this love with his children. As a spectator he shared a love of baseball with his son, and the two of them watched many games together, including the Nationals’ historic World Series victory. In his youth Bob played on many sports teams; he excelled in bowling and tennis and lettered in the latter. Bob enjoyed playing tennis with his son, Jonathan, and sharing his expertise with him. Bob was also an avid runner who ran in multiple marathons including the Marine Corps Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Bob developed an interest in running when his daughter Rachelle joined her high school track team. The two of them participated in many races and triathlons together. Bob loved his grandchildren and enjoyed seeing them.

Bob earned bachelors (B.S.E.) degrees in physics and mathematics engineering from the University of Michigan, a masters in finance (M.B.A.) from American University and a doctorate (Ph.D.) in physics from the University of Maryland. Bob spent his early career in the service of the Federal government. As a student, he worked at the Goddard Space Flight Center. His first full-time job was at the laser laboratory at Fort Belvoir. After leaving Fort Belvoir, Bob worked for government contractors as a systems analyst and senior scientist in the Aerospace industry. Bob worked for Boeing Computer Services, MRJ Technology Solutions, SOSA CORP, SAIC, and Radiant BlueTechnologies. He was a brilliant mathematician and physicist whose coworkers described him as someone who was able to dissect and solve the most complicated physics and computer science problems.

A grave site service and interment was held on May 7, 2020 at the National Memorial Park/King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, Virginia. His memory will be cherished by those who survived him, including his wife, children, grandchildren, sister and many other family and friends.