Vaughn Beals

Early life and education An only child, Beals was born and raised in the Boston area. Although neither of his parents finished high school, Beals was a standout student and his high school guidance counselor encouraged him to apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology instead of his first choice, Northeastern University. Beals earned bachelor's aeronautical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Beals died at the age of 90 in Gig Harbor, Washington where he and his wife spent their summers. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife of 67 years, their two daughters, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.