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2022 SESSION

22103694D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 189
Offered February 4, 2022
Celebrating the life of Bertram Donald Aaron.
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Patrons-- Batten and Mullin; Senators: Mason and Norment
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WHEREAS, Bertram Donald Aaron, an esteemed entrepreneur, honorable veteran, lauded philanthropist, and beloved member of the Williamsburg community, died on December 31, 2021; and

WHEREAS, born in Newport News, Bertram “Bert’” Donald Aaron earned a degree from what is now known as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1943, where he established the first signal unit for the school’s Corps of Cadets; and

WHEREAS, following graduation, Bert’ Aaron served his country with courage and valor as a member of the United States Army Signal Corps, attaining the rank of captain while serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Bert’ Aaron’s experience and expertise with electronics technology led to positions as an aeronautical research scientist with the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and as an engineer with the United States Army Signal Corps, where he received commendations for his contributions to national defense; and

WHEREAS, Bert’ Aaron founded the electronics firm BDAaron and Company in 1953 and would successfully develop and sell various devices over the years to enhance operations in the fields of electronics, medicine, computing, and optics; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to advancing the industry of electronic engineering, Bert’ Aaron was one of the organizers of the first International Symposium on Electronics in 1967 and held senior membership with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, serving on the board of its Microwave Theory and Techniques Society and chairing its chapters in Los Angeles and Long Island, New York; and

WHEREAS, Bert’ Aaron was a well-known champion of the arts in the Tidewater Region, serving formerly as the chair of the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission and contributing mightily to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s longevity in Williamsburg by helping to found the Virginia Symphony Society of Greater Williamsburg, now the Virginia Symphony Society, which he served as a board member for 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Bert’ Aaron was active in the community through his involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg and was also a passionate proponent for greater breast cancer awareness and research, organizing and chairing the first Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation symposium in Williamsburg to share the latest innovations in diagnosis and treatments with primary care practitioners in the region; and

WHEREAS, Bert’ Aaron’s legacy will endure in part through the endowed programs and positions that bear his name at several prominent institutions and organizations, including Christopher Newport University, the Cleveland Clinic, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Hillel at Virginia Tech; additionally, he was recognized as the Daily Press Citizen of the Year in 2018 for his years of service to the community; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Bert’ Aaron enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at both Rodef Sholom Congregation in Newport News and Temple Beth El of Williamsburg; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia, and his second wife, Judith, Bert’ Aaron will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Gladys; his children, Cynthia, Jill, and Harry, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Bertram Donald Aaron, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist whose unwavering commitment to the Williamsburg community touched countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Bertram Donald Aaron as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.