Joel Moskowitz, co-founder of Ceradyne Inc., died on March 15 at the age of 75. According to his wife, Ann, his death was caused by complications related to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

 

Moskowitz, a ceramic engineer, founded Ceradyne in 1967 with the intent of focusing on advanced ceramic systems and components. The company began manufacturing lightweight, ultra-hard ceramics for industrial and military applications, such as missile nosecones and nuclear warheads. In 1971, Ceradyne began a program to develop ceramic armor for helicopters. Since then, the company has provided ceramic body armor inserts for thousands of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

 

Ceradyne, which was acquired by 3M in 2012, continues to offer defense protection systems in addition to cathodes, electron guns, fused silica, specialty glass, and many other advanced ceramic products and technologies. Moskowitz remained active in the company until its acquisition.

 

For more information, read Moskowitz’s LA Times obituary or check out our profile of Moskowitz from 2004.