Dr. Robert A. Pucel

Dr. Robert A. Pucel, formerly of Ely, MN.  passed away peacefully from this world into the grace of God, surrounded by his family on July 24th in Griswold, CT.

Robert was born on December 27, 1926, and after graduating high school, he served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946.

Robert entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Feb. 1947 and graduated with both Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in electrical engineering in 1951. Following graduation, he joined Raytheon company as a staff member of the Research Division. He returned to MIT in Sept. 1952 to embark on a Doctoral program while remaining a part-time staff member of Raytheon.

After receiving his Doctor of Science degree in Electrical Communication, he returned to Raytheon Company where he was employed for 42 years, ultimately rising to the level of Consulting Scientist, the highest technical level at Raytheon.

Dr. Pucel published over 100 technical papers and presented some 50 lectures in the U.S. and abroad about semiconductor technology and its microwave applications to military radar and missile systems and was the first microwave engineer from the United States invited to lecture in the People’s Republic of China in 1981 and again in 1986.

He was a founding member of the field of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC). These circuits, printed on semiconductor chips, are used in military applications, such as radar systems and guided missiles, as well as consumer products, for example, cellular phones.

In 1994, Dr. Pucel was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineers, which traces its origin to the administration of President Lincoln. 

Robert was a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) and a Life Member of the Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTTS) of the IEEE which bestowed their highest honor on him in 1990 with the Career Award in recognition of his lifetime achievement and contributions to the microwave field and to the Society. Additionally, in 2002, he received the Third Millennium Medal from the IEEE “for outstanding achievements and contributions” to the microwave field. Finally, in 2005, he received the Pioneer Award from the MTTS, for a technical paper he co-authored over 25 years earlier, which had a significant impact on the development of the microwave integrated circuits field which he had pioneered.

Following retirement, Robert became engaged in ministries of his church, St. Mary Our Lady of the Rosary, in Jewett City, CT.

Robert is predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Catherine Ann, and first son, Robert. His four remaining children are James Pucel and Valerie Patnaude of NH, Marc Pucel of CT, and David Pucel of NC, as well as nine grandchildren three great-grandchildren.

A calling hour will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 from 9:30-10:30AM at the Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Road Jewett City, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00AM at St. Mary Church, Jewett City.  Interment will immediately follow at Pachaug Cemetery, Griswold. For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Robert's memory to St. Mary Church 34 North Main Street Jewett City, CT 06351.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Robert A. Pucel, please visit our floral store.