ERAU Remembers Former Instructor

Francis S. McGlade, 78, former director of safety for the U.S. Army who spoke out against the military's failure to take corrective action after accidents, died Aug. 23 at Kindred Hospital in Richmond of complications after heart surgery.

Mr. McGlade had been a top safety official for the Army for 20 years and had previously served in uniform during the Korean War while based at Fort Sill, Okla. Born in Fountain Hill, Pa. he graduated from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania and was a star on the basketball team.

He later received a master's degree in education from New York University in 1956 and a doctorate in educational psychology and school administration from NYU in 1960.

His career included work  for the National Education Association in Harrisonburg, Va., and Washington until he switched to working at the Pentagon as a civilian . His book, "Adjustive Behavior and Safe Performance," was published in 1970.

After retiring from the Pentagon, Mr. McGlade moved to Flagler Beach, Fla. Three years later, he began teaching at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He also worked for consulting firms in Florida until retiring again in 1994.

Mr. McGlade's hobbies included holding one of the largest private collections in the United States, his family said. He visited Ireland four times, owned dozens of dogs throughout his life and enjoyed playing and watching sports as well as discussing politics.

His marriage to Sophia McGlade ended in divorce. His second wife, Christine McGlade, died in 2005.

Survivors include three children from his first marriage, Michele Gendelman of Los Angeles, Matthew McGlade of Falls Church and Marc McGlade of Midlothian, Va.; three stepchildren, James Upton of Arlington County, Steve Upton of Palm Coast and Kim Upton of Holly Hill, Fla.; and nine grandchildren.

By Patricia Sullivan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 11, 2008; B06