BRUCE A. BANKS

BRUCE A. BANKS,  passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2026 at the age of 84 while surrounded by family.

Bruce was born on March 12, 1942, the second oldest son, preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Marie Banks of Cleveland, Ohio.

He is survived by his two brothers Lloyd Banks (Marilyn; sons: Kevin and Richard) and Tim Banks (Jane; sons: David and Steven).

Bruce attended Rocky River High School, graduating in 1960, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame for his work accomplishments. He then obtained his degree in Physics at Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve University) and secured his Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Missouri in Rolla, Missouri.

While at Rocky River High School, Bruce met the love of his life, Judith and in 1965 they married and spent 61 happy years together. Bruce certainly would want to make clear that Judy was the bedrock upon which all was accomplished in his life.

Together Bruce and Judy raised 4 children; Son: Michael (Christine; children: Laura {Evan McFadden} and Angelina); Son: Thomas (Carolina); Daughter: Cindy Mitchell (significant other, Steve Crandall; children: Amanda Mitchell {fiancée, Alexander Unruh} and Austin Mitchell {significant other, Caitlyn Prather}); and Son: Eric (Marie {“Chrissy”}; son: Jude).

Bruce had a prolific work career serving 41 years with NASA, primarily in a Chief Electro-physicist role, at the Glenn Research Center in Brook Park, OH. After he retired from NASA, he consulted with the same branch of NASA for 16 more years. He was elected to NASA Glenn Research Center’s Hall of Fame in 2022.

His career accomplishments include (many/all of these are in conjunction with his highly capable NASA Branch colleagues):

• Over 40 patents, most in Center history
• Considered the world’s expert on the effects of atomic oxygen on materials in space including breakthrough discovery that ion beams could be used to modify or coat surfaces leading to an array of new applications for thermal protection and decontamination and traveled widely to symposia discussing these matters
• Specialized in identifying space and terrestrial applications for ions including deep-space electron-propulsion, thin-film coatings including diamond-like coatings, surface texturing, and atomic oxygen protection
• Developed the use of ion beams for unique texturing on materials for prostheses and surgical implants
• Responsible for a large percentage of the Center’s technology transfer to private enterprises and resultant revenue
• Invented a silicon dioxide thin-film coating for application to satellites and also space station solar arrays which NASA estimated saved the agency more than $15 billion (in 1990’s money)
• Key contributor in evaluating the Hubble telescope thermal shields and studies for 4 additional repair missions and led the 1997 investigation of a Hubble installation failure
• Discovered and developed the use of atomic oxygen to be used for painted-art restoration to remove soot and other contaminants without injuring a painting’s pigment
• Responsible for dozens of experiments flown on the space shuttle and space station over the years
• With his 258 technical publications and 34 technical briefs his works are some of the most widely cited research pieces from the Center
• Garnered many awards including the Arthur S. Flemming Award for Selection as “One of the 10 Outstanding Young Employees of the Federal Government”, multiple Space Act Awards, R&D 100 Editor’s Choice awards, Exceptional Engineering Achievements Award, all summing to over 120 invention and meritorious performance awards

Bruce’s community & civic activities also met with the same gusto as his professional work. He developed an interest in Olmsted Falls’ history and became a lecturer and author (“Olmsted Story”) on the history of Olmsted Falls and gave hundreds of presentations/tours on the subject over the years. Bruce served in Olmsted Falls’ Kiwanis Club for over 45 years, was a School Board Member (8 years), Olmsted Historical Society Member, Boy Scout and Indian Guides leader, creation of the Olmsted Academic Booster Club and the Banks Family Scholarship awarded annually to a graduating senior with an interest in scientific pursuits post-high school.

His hobbies included jewelry-making for family gifts, welding, home furniture-making, scrimshaw, painting and glassblowing. He and Judy loved traveling and cruises to numerous global locales. Bruce was never known to pass-up a dessert at any family gathering or cruise ship banquet.

Bruce loved spending time with his family and friends including his every-Saturday morning get-togethers for breakfast and chats with high school friends at the “Breakfast Club” gatherings. He leaves the legacy of mentorship within NASA and to others outside of work, led a highly impactful life and was very beloved to his family and those that knew him.

FUNERAL SERVICE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, at 1 P.M. in the CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 Lorain Rd at Stearns Rd. where friends may call SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, FROM 11 am - 1 pm EST, and brief non-denominational service and memorial commentary beginning at 1 pm. At 2:30 pm, all are welcome to join the family for a social/light food gathering at Suds Maguire’s bar/restaurant at 1270 West Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce would love if you sent a donation to the Olmsted Falls Alumni Association, P.O. Box 38244, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 and note in a reference field or memo line “In Memory of Bruce Banks”