It is with great sadness that the ISEE announces the passing of Dr. Hans-Peter Rossmanith. Dr. hans_peter_rossmanithRossmanith passed away June 26, 2013. He was one of the cornerstones of the fragblast community.

Born in 1947, Hans-Peter Rossmanith earned his doctorate in mathematics and physics from the University of Vienna. After successfully completing his studies, he became an assistant professor at the Vienna University of Technology.

He spent time performing research at the University of Maryland, in the United States, and later followed the call back to the TU Vienna. Dr. Rossmanith conducted extensive research in the field of fracture mechanics, studying the breakage of materials and developing damage models for solids and structures.

A major contributor to fragblast history, Dr. Rossmanith presented his research at the International Symposiums on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting; was the editor in chief for the Blasting and Fragmentation Journal, which is published by the International Society of Explosives Engineers; and was a member of the Fragblast International Organizing Committee (FIOC).

Dr. Rossmanith published numerous articles in scientific journals and regularly lectured at conferences. He also organized many successful meetings and conferences, bringing together researchers from around the globe.

Dr. Rossmanith was very interested in the history of mechanics, especially the historical development of fracture mechanics. His unique insights helped bring to life his lectures.

Dr. Rossmanith was fond of cooking and was an avid gardener, painter and composer.

Our condolences go out to his family. Dr. Rossmanith will be sorely missed.

Paul Joseph Webb, 51, passed away on July 25, 2013, in Surprise, Ariz. Paul was born on March 27, 1962, in Belle Fourche, S.D., to the late James E. Webb. He was working for Nomac Drilling, Oklahoma City, Okla., outside Douglas, Wyo. He will be forever loved and missed by his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Clorie A. Webb; son Zachary C. and daughter in-law Sara Webb; daughter Erika A. Webb; grandson Canyon L. Webb; mother Virginia E. Webb; sisters Vonda Webb and Mindy Ireland and brother Jimbo Webb; in-laws Raymond and Carmen Chavez.

The visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ with the Memorial Service at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at Radiant Church, 15522 W. Paradise Lane, Surprise, Ariz.

Please visit Paul's online registry to leave a tribute for his family at www.surprisefuneralcare.com.

Frederick P. Smith, the former president of the IME, died suddenly on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at his home in Alexandria, Va. Fred brought the IME from its long time home in New York City to new offices in Washington, D.C., in 1979 and served as the president for 15 years until his retirement in 1994.

Condolences may be sent to Fred's family in care of his daughter, Cabell Schoenfeld, 5803 Gloster Road, Bethesda, MD 20816.

Fred's wife, Mary Holmes, can be reached through Cabell. The family advises that arrangements are being made for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Silvio Giavitto, age 65, passed away suddenly on April 2, 2013, at his residence in Udine, Italy. After 43 years of experience in the explosives industry, Silvio Giavitto, a worldwide recognized expert in the manufacture of explosives and expert panel member of SAFEX, founded in 2002 with his son Igor his own company HIGH ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES Srl. Through hard work and his innate sympathy Silvio gained his reputation as a leading process and construction engineer on the international marketplace of planning, engineering and construction of plants for the production of industrial explosives. Silvio was an ISEE member since 1999.

Silvio will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, customers and friends in our industry all over the world. He is survived by his wife Claudia, his daughter Petra and his son Igor. A funeral mass was held on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Chapel of Udine’s Cemetery.

David P. Lilly, Sr., age 69, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at his residence in Pawleys Island.

Born in Charleston, W. Va., Dave was the son of the late Felix and Frances Lilly. A devoted, husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Lilly graduated from West Virginia University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in mining engineering and received his master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in 1979. Statistical analysis was his passion. A registered professional engineer, Mr. Lilly worked in the explosives industry for 44 years where he was considered a legend in the industry.

In 2010, Mr. Lilly retired from Dyno Nobel. He enjoyed traveling with his family. He especially enjoyed his lecture trips to Oxford University in England. Mr. Lilly was a member of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, the Professional Engineers of South Carolina and the International Society of Explosive Engineers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 19 years, Karen Lilly; children, David P. Lilly, Jr., and his wife Amy; NC; Susan Whitlock and her husband Rob, PA; Ann Moore and her husband Trent, Pawleys Island; Tom Sisk and his wife Karin, WI; grandchildren, Kate Lilly, David P. Lilly III, Taylor Whitlock, Morgan Whitlock, Logan Whitlock, Abigail Moore, Paul Moore, Emily Groves, Collin Groves, Cameron Groves.

A memorial mass will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church with a repass following the service. Father Pat Stenson celebrant. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The ALS Association, Attn: South Carolina Chapter, 1023 Wappoo Road, S-A 19, Charleston, SC 29407 or to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 110 Dillon Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29307.