Anton Dwight Abbott

Anton Dwight Abbott, known to most as A. Dwight Abbott or simply Dwight, passed away in Palos Verdes Estates on January 23, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 28, 1936, and raised in Indianapolis during the decade following the Great Depression and during World War II, Dwight lived a life marked by devotion to his family, connection with his community, a zest for all things aeronautical, and a passion for lifelong learning.

Following his graduation with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University, Dwight drove his 1957 Corvette convertible from the Midwest to Southern California to start a new life and contribute to the newly established U.S. space program. His career in aerospace engineering began at the Northrop Corporation in 1958 where he was employed as an aerodynamicist on the T-38, the nation’s first supersonic trainer aircraft. Dwight joined The Aerospace Corporation as an original employee at its founding in 1960, initially working as an engineer for space propulsion technology and finally retiring in 2000 as General Manager, Systems Engineering Division, where he was responsible for directing systems engineering support to all space programs. Dwight holds a patent as inventor of a rocket engine thrust vector control device and was an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

After joining Aerospace in El Segundo, Dwight later returned to Purdue with his new bride, and eventual wife of 60 years, Janet, to earn a master’s degree, and he moved the family to Washington D.C. in the mid-1970s to run a newly created business for Aerospace. But his heart was in Southern California, so he moved the family back to Palos Verdes Estates in 1982. During his later years at Aerospace, Dwight headed up a division that worked in the emerging civil and commercial space fields, a precursor to the success of companies today such as SpaceX. Dwight's love for aviation and space was a defining aspect of his life, and he was an active private pilot until the age of 85.

Following his retirement, Dwight dedicated his time to the community he loved so much. He was elected to the Palos Verdes Estates City Council in 2003, and then proudly served as Mayor in 2005. Dwight also was a board member of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. He was active in many local community and social organizations such as the PV Historical Society, the Lunada Bay Homeowners Association, and the PV Breakfast Club. His service to the community brought Dwight great fulfillment; he really loved working for and with the people of Palos Verdes.

Dwight's interests and accomplishments extended far beyond his professional and civic life. An avid athlete, he was ahead of his time, embracing running in the 1960s and 1970s. His love for adventure and engineering converged in his participation with his brothers in claiming a Guinness World Record for bicycle speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Even in his retirement, Dwight never stopped growing, throwing himself into politics and policy with the same energy and depth of analysis with which he tackled engineering problems.

Dwight is survived by his loving family, including his beloved wife Janet, his sons Steve (of Austin, Texas) and Doug (of Lake Oswego, Oregon), brothers Paul of Carmel, Indiana, and Allan of San Marino, California, his sister Ann of Brentwood, California, and six grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of boundless energy and curiosity, love and loyalty to his family, and the unwavering belief that with determination and a bit of engineering know-how, any problem can be solved.