Obituary for Dr. Barry D. Fishburn

Dr. Barry Douglas Fishburn, a longtime scientist and aerospace engineer whose distinguished career was devoted to research for the United States Army, passed away January 18, 2026, at the age of 82, at St. Clare’s Hospital, Dover, NJ. His death was due to complications of kidney disease. He was a longtime resident of Dover, NJ.

Barry was born October 25, 1943, in Allen Park, MI, the son of Jack D. Fishburn and Freda A. (Rickenbacher) Fishburn. He graduated from Allen Park High School. He spent much time through the years in Forest, OH, the home of his extended family. 

Barry continued his education at the University of Michigan, where he studied engineering and mathematics and ultimately earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Aerospace Engineering. During his graduate studies, he was awarded the Edward H. White II Honorary Fellowship, established in memory of astronaut Edward H. White II and awarded to a graduate student of high achievement. It was an honor of which Barry remained especially proud.

He went on to devote his professional life to highly specialized scientific research for the United States Army in New Jersey. His early career included work at Feltman Research Laboratories, part of the Army’s research and development establishment at Picatinny. His research included developing a more accurate understanding of the behavior and breakup of fuel droplets in supersonic flow, work with applications to rocket engines and other combustion systems.

As his career progressed, Barry’s publicly documented research included explosives, energetic materials, warhead and munitions technology, fuel-air blast phenomena, and the performance and safety of military explosive systems. He authored and co-authored scientific and technical publications and was named as an inventor on multiple United States patents, including inventions assigned to the United States government through the Department of the Army.

Much of Barry’s work involved sensitive or classified projects and  could not be discussed in detail, even with his family. What is available publicly, however, reflects decades of sophisticated research involving propulsion, combustion, explosives and Army munitions. His work helped advance both the performance and the safety of military technology. Barry’s career spanned fields ranging from aerospace engineering and rocket combustion to explosives and advanced Army research, leaving a professional legacy that extended over many decades.

Following his principal career with Army research, Barry continued to contribute his expertise as a consultant, remaining involved with Picatinny researchers and the scientific community well into his later life. His experience made him a valued colleague and mentor. One former colleague later remembered Barry’s practical advice when facing an important decision: rather than deciding immediately, sleep on it first.

Barry was a life member of Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society, recognizing distinguished scholarship and achievement in engineering. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Behind the accomplishments, degrees, patents and scientific publications was a man who had a great love for simple things. He enjoyed travel, music and skiing, or simply walking the fields and woods of the original Buess/Rickenbacher homestead, which he owned. He was a golfer, and enjoyed his time visiting and golfing with his parents at The Villages in Florida. He had a deep love of family history and local Forest history, and wished to help preserve it for future generations by helping fund a Forest Historical and Genealogical Society. 

Barry is survived by many second cousins. He was especially close to Kathy Rickenbacher Kin (Michael) of Forest, Karen Rickenbacher Webb (Michael) of Upper Sandusky, Mark Rickenbacher (Holly) of Findlay, and Mark Fridley (Denise) of Lima. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack D. and Freda A. (Rickenbacher) Fishburn. 

A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 11 A.M., at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, conducted by lay minister Kathy Rickenbacher Kin, one of his cousins. Memorial contributions may be sent to Forest Historical and Genealogical Society, 14878 State Route 37, Forest. OH 45843.

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