Alden Munson, Esteemed Engineer and Community Leader, Passes Away

Alden Vincent Munson Jr., a prominent engineer and respected member of the Manhattan Beach community, passed away on August 29, 2025, due to complications following heart surgery. He was 83 years old. His contributions to the fields of engineering and national security have left a lasting impact on both his profession and community.

Born on April 9, 1942, in Kingsburg, California, Alden was the son of Alden and Marguerite (Rouch) Munson. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the logging and development business, spending much of his childhood in the mountains near Camp Nelson. The family later moved to Visalia, where Alden attended Mount Whitney High School, excelling in both football and music as a trombone player.

Alden continued his education at the College of the Sequoias before earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State College. It was there that he met his wife, Jane Munson. He later obtained a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and pursued advanced studies in computer science at UCLA. Alden also attended executive programs at esteemed institutions such as Harvard and Stanford.

His professional career commenced in 1966 at The Aerospace Corporation, leading to a pivotal role at TRW in 1973. Alden’s leadership in significant projects at TRW culminated in his appointment as Vice President of the System Development Division. After retiring in 1997, he took on senior leadership positions at Litton Industries.

In recognition of his groundbreaking work in developing a fully automatic electronic intelligence system, Alden was honored as a Pioneer of National Reconnaissance by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in 2000. He continued to serve his country as Deputy Director for Acquisitions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2007 to 2010, receiving the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal in 2009.

Alden’s drive and enthusiasm extended beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his dynamic personality, passionate opinions, and distinctive dry humor. Family and friends will remember him as a dedicated individual who fully engaged in all aspects of life.

He enjoyed water-skiing on the Stockton Delta and had a lifelong passion for snow skiing. Recently, he had planned a heli-ski trip for the upcoming season. Alden cherished his time on the slopes, especially during BTST Men’s ski trips, which he shared with his grandsons, Max and Sam Bechtel.

In addition to skiing, Alden was an avid model train enthusiast, actively participating in the Los Angeles Model Railroad Society. He and Jane traveled extensively, particularly enjoying visits to New York City, where they attended numerous musical theatre performances both on and off Broadway.

Alden is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane; his daughter, Kathryn (Katie) Bechtel and her husband, Greg; his beloved grandsons, Max and Sam; his sister, Marguerite (Pegi) Hover and her husband, Dick; and his brother, Charles, all of Visalia, along with numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Kathryn Munson.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 7, at 12:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Beach Community Church, located at 303 S. Peck Ave. A reception will follow the service, providing an opportunity for family and friends to honor Alden’s remarkable life and legacy.