Posted on: Thursday, March 7, 2002

Carl Holschuh of Honoka'a dead at 92

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HONOKA'A, Hawai'i — Carl G. Holschuh, a leader in the U.S. defense industry, died Feb. 20, 2002, at home in Honoka'a. He was 92.

Holschuh was credited with designing the gun sight and revolving turret on the B-17 "Flying Fortress" used in World War II. He held several patents and later worked in the nuclear submarine development program.

After the war, he served as president of Sperry Gyroscope Corp., executive vice president of Sperry Rand and group vice president of General Dynamics.

He was born April 23, 1909, in New York City and graduated from Rutgers University, which later awarded him an honorary doctorate degree. Holschuh was involved in the Long Island Railroad restoration effort, and was honored for his volunteer work with the disabled in Long Island.

After numerous visits to the Big Island, Holschuh moved here in 1998 with his late wife, Mary. They lived with their son, Dr. Fred Holschuh, who worked at the Hilo Medical Center emergency room for 27 years before retiring and was the Democratic nominee for mayor in 2000.

Carl Holschuh is survived by another son, John of Maryland; a daughter, Anne of North Carolina; three grandchildren and four grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at Dodo Mortuary, with a memorial service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Catholic Charities Elderly Services, Room 105, 214 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo, HI 96720. Casual attire is suggested.