Robert Elwell ’53

Robert Elwell ’53, who helped develop rocket fuel for the Apollo missions, died on Oct. 2, 2021, in Beaverton, Oregon, at age 90. 

Elwell received his doctoral degree in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. He also held a master’s degree in theology from the University of Southern California. 

He worked as a chemical engineer at Aerojet, where he helped develop a safe rocket fuel for the Apollo missions. Elwell also was a consultant for the layout of the Kennedy Space Center. 

He was an active member of the Diamond Bar, California, community, where he was a founding member of the Diamond Bar Jaycees. He was named Diamond Bar Citizen of the Year in 1967 and Diamond Bar Junior Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1968. He was instrumental in forming the Diamond Bar Recreational Planning Commission and, ultimately, the Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Commission, which brought the first recreational facilities to the community.

He was said to have a dry sense of humor, even to the end.

Elwell was preceded in death by a son and by his twin brother. Survivors include his wife Janet; a sister, two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandsons.