Nov 21, 2021

Bartley P. Osborne Jr., 87, of Palm Desert, Calif., formerly of Washington, passed Monday, October 25, 2021, following several years of declining health.

In 1952, he graduated from Washington High School as one of six class valedictorians and as a Pennsylvania 1952 State Scholar. In 1956, he graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology (Carnegie Mellon University) with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (aeronautical specialization). He was a scholarship recipient, a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, ROTC, and Pershing Rifles. In 1962, he graduated from University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering.

Bartley was born in Akron, Ohio. By the late 1930s, the family lived in Pittsburgh, where he attended elementary school. It was in Pittsburgh his fascination with airplanes began by frequent trips to “old” Allegheny Airport with his father. By 1942, during World War II, the family lived at Scott Field Army Air Corp Base, Scott Field, Ill. The hangers housing military aircraft were a few blocks from the family’s residence. At the time, with supervision, the young boys were permitted in the hangers to inspect the military aircraft. Bartley could be found at the hangers.

The family returned to Pittsburgh in 1946. Bartley’s junior high shop teacher provided a study unit permitting building model airplanes. The seed was planted. By the summer of 1948, the family moved to Washington. The home had two spare unfurnished rooms. Bartley converted one of the two into a studio, where he designed and built model airplanes. Test flights occurred on the 7th Ward District Montgomery/Beverstock open farmland now known as Fairhill Manor. Those test flights were followed by regional contests, where he flew his planes, received recognition and awards.

Bartley’s professional career included the following: North American Aviation Senior Stress Analyst, 1956-1966, Columbus, Ohio; Lockheed Aircraft Advanced Development Program Division, Trademark “Skunkworks,” Senior Design Engineer, 1966-1970, Project Engineer 1970-1974, Burbank, Calif.; Pentagon Staff Specialist Aeronautics and Ocean Vehicles Office – Secretary of Defense 1974-1978, Washington, DC; Engineering Progressive Manager, 1978-1982, Lockheed Aircraft, Chief Design Engineer, 1982-1985; Chief Engineer for the Lockheed YF22, 1985-1987; Chief Deputy Advisory Engineer 1987-1989, Progressive Manager Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, 1989-1990, Burbank, Calif; Vice President Engineer Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, 1990-1996, Marietta, Ga., Vice President Advanced Concepts, 1996-1997.

Retirement included: Consultant Aerotec Solutions, since 1998; Chairman National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aeronautics Advisory Committee, 1994-1997; Chairman Aerospace Council Society of Automotive Engineers, 1997-2002; Chairman Program Planning Committee Quiet Supersonic, 2001-2002; Board of Directors Aerofon Corporation, San Diego, Calif.; Guest Lecturer Carnegie Mellon University, 2001; Guest Lecturer California Institute of Technology, 2003.

Memberships included: Mensa; Fellow Royal Aeronautical Society; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (associate). As a cellist, member of the Los Angeles, Calif., Violin Cello Society.

Military service included: 1st lieutenant United States Army, 1956-1958.

Preceding him in death were parents, Bartley P. Osborne and Cordelia Osborne.

He is survived by his wife, Carol A. Osborne, administrative secretary, director Northridge Hospital Volunteers, and accomplished pianist; daughter, Roxane Osborne (Ryan); son, Ashley Osborne (Eva); and three grandchildren; sister, Hettie Jane Osborne; two cousins, Deanna Weaver and Christina Rondeau.

All funeral services were held privately in Palm Desert.