Prominent Naval Engineer Dr. Ilario Hilary Rolih Dies at 82

We deeply and sadly regret to advise the passing of George G. Sharp’s Chairman of the Board Dr. Ilario Hilary Rolih on February 16, 2014.

Dr. Ilario Hilary Rolih passed away at the age of 82 on February 16, 2014 while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. Dr. Rolih had more than 58 years’ experience in the marine industry. He was the chairman of the Board at George G. Sharp, Inc. since 1983. He had a Doctor of Naval and Mechanical Engineering Degree from the University of Trieste in 1956, a Master of Mechanical Engineering Degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn in 1959 and an MBA Degree from NYU in 1971. Dr. Rolih joined Sharp in March, 1957, as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer and was responsible for the power plant design, calculations and studies for all of Sharp’s Navy and commercial projects. He worked his way up to become Chief Marine Engineer, Director of Marine Engineering, Vice President of Engineering, Technical Director and Chairman of the Board.

He worked on the design of the World’s First Nuclear Powered Commercial Vessel, the NS SAVANNAH. He directed the project for the Navy’s Heat Balance Computer Program. He had a major and significant role in the design of many engine room power plants for IGE. He helped develop parametric data used in the economic evaluation of various types of commercial and naval power plants.

Dr. Rolih worked on the designs of many major naval and commercial ships, including the T-AO ships, the DLGN-38 Guided Missile Ship for the Navy, Sea Control Ships, design of the West India Fruit Carrier, Chilean Lines Cargo Ships, Grace Lines Passenger Cargo Ships, APL, PFEL, and States Steamship Cargo Ships, and Container Ships for Farrell Lines, Inc. He also played a major part in the design of the BARBERI, MOLINARI, and AUSTEN Class Staten Island Ferries.

In addition to his design work, Dr. Rolih was active in the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. He co-authored several technical papers for SNAME and was recently recognized by SNAME for his 50 year membership participation. Dr. Rolih was a licensed Professional Engineer in the States of New York and Delaware.

He was the beloved husband of his wife Zorka and the loving father of Hilary and Peter. He was the cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Andrew, Alexa, Victoria, and Caroline. He was the dear brother of Dolores Smith, and Gianna Gerlitz (Guido). He was the dear and close friend of Allen Chin, President of Sharp, with whom he worked for 57 years.

Funeral services are being administered by the Oyster Bay Funeral Home in Oyster Bay, New York. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 1st, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Huntington, New York.