BAGHDADY, Dr. Elie J. of Weston, a native of Lebanon, received the B.A. degree with High Distinction in physics from the American University of Beirut. He pursued his graduate education first at Georgia Institute of Technology as a World Student Fund Fellow, then at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he received the S.M. and Sc.D. degrees in electrical engineering in 1954 and 1956, respectively. Between 1954 and 1962, he headed a research group at the M.I.T. Research Laboratory of Electronics, where he originated and developed theories and methods for stronger or weaker capture of the FM signal, which were instrumental in the advancement of the FM radio. In 1961, he formed ADCOM, Inc., a research and development think tank, where he originated and piloted space tracking systems to facilitate the accurate placement of satellites in pre-planned orbits, resulting first in the NASA SYNCOM Tracking System, followed by the Goddard Range and Range Rate Tracking System (GRARR). The GRARR system is now universally used by all countries engaged in space programs. Dr. Baghdady also conceived and developed the Precision Doppler VOR for the FAA, which is a system that guides jet landings at all airports serving large urban centers.
From 1969 to 1973, Dr. Baghdady was the originator and managing director of the Royal Scientific Society of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, under the direction of the then King Hussein and Crown Prince Hassan.
Dr. Baghdady served on the faculties of both M.I.T. and Boston University. In the capacity of Associate Dean of Engineering for Research at Boston University, he helped institute the Doctoral Program of the School of Engineering in 1984.
Dr. Baghdady was an inventor and innovator in the fields of advanced communication, electronic instrumentation, and signal modulation and detection. He authored over one hundred professional journal publications and had a large number of patents issued to him covering his significant inventions.
Most important of all, Dr. Baghdady was a warm, loving, and generous father and deeply devoted to his family. His care and love for his children were constant and dependable. He had an amazing knowledge of all subjects. He loved to talk about history and to tell stories about his life. He always credited his own mother, Loulou Salibi, for inspiring and propelling him in his education and personal ethic. He was a happy man and always had a sense of humor.
Dr. Baghdady died suddenly on 29 November at age 79. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Ganim, and six children, Elie II, Lila, Georgette, Joseph, Edmund, and Rose, as well as four sisters and brothers, George, Violette, Georgette, and Sami. His immediate family remains in shock at his sudden passing. His boundless energy, intellectual curiosity, innovative drive, ambitious dreams, and genuine love and friendliness extended to the last moments of his life.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 3 at Saint Julia’s Church, Weston Center, at 1 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on his behalf to the March of Dimes.