Lawrence J. Viernstein

Feb. 20, 1919 - March 10, 2009
(St. Agatha Home Kid 1931 - 1937)

Dr. Lawrence Joseph Viernstein, 90, died at his home in New York City at 4:14 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10.

He was born in New York City, NY, on Feb. 20, 1919, and as a result of his father dying at an early age, Larry grew up in an orphanage. He later joined the service and was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University) on the GI Bill, and his master's degree from Cal Tech, Calif., and his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University in electrical engineering and biophysics. He spent most of his career working for the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins.

He used his knowledge of mathematics and science to advance the biomedical field and was known for his research in neurophysiology, glaucoma, artificial intelligence and his cranial pressure diagnostic device. In his retirement, he enjoyed singing opera, loved classical music and had a unique sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Phyllis Ackman Viernstein of New York City, NY; his son, Rev. Karl Robert Viernstein and his wife, Dale of Shawnee-on-Delaware; his daughter, Dr. Laura Kate Anderson and her husband, Robert of Boiling Springs; five grandchildren: Jason Viernstein from Port Norris, NJ, Christiana Sulinski and her husband, Marc, from East Stroudsburg, Julie Weiser and her husband, Cory, from Sayerville, NJ, Colleen Fracisco and her husband, John, from Los Angeles, Calif., and Crystal Forest and her husband, Benjamin, from Moline, Ill.; and three great-grandchildren, Katherine Sulinski, Connor Fracisco and Natalie Sulinski.

He was one of America's exceptional scientists whose research and work led to improvements in the quality of life for mankind. When recently asked how to solve the energy problems in America, his response was, "I'm sure it can all be worked out mathematically".

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