Lasting Memories

Hugh Maxwell Satterlee
March 7, 1931-Feb. 23, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Hugh Maxwell Satterlee was born on March 7th, 1931 in Sacramento, California. The first born child of his mother, Mary Barton Cusick, he was the 6th child of Ivan Claude Satterlee. Hugh was studious and excelled in school. He enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical, taking it apart and putting it back together.

In 1953 Hugh received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford, and then, on June 19th, 1955, his Masters of Science. His fiance, Eleanor, was already teaching elementary school in Sacramento, having received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from UC Berkeley. Hugh and Eleanor were married June 25th, 1955 in Sacramento, CA. Soon after, Hugh left for Naval Officer’s training in Rhode Island, while Eleanor stayed in Sacramento teaching. Later that year, the newlyweds were able to move to Guam together. Hugh served on Guam as an Officer in the Navy Seabees until 1957 when they transferred to Port Hueneme, California. Their first child, Mark Jonathan, was born there in 1958.

When Hugh finished his active duty, he and his young family moved back to Palo Alto, where one of Hugh’s former Stanford professors recommended him for new opportunities in the growing science of space exploration. There were jobs available at Lockheed Missiles and Space, as it was known then. Hugh continued serving as a Naval Reserve Officer, started working at Lockheed, and began his doctorate studies. In 1964, Hugh received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford. The title of his thesis was: “The Behavior of Liquids in Zero-Gravity,” and luckily his wife was able to finish typing it so he could turn it in just one day before their daughter, Martha Alice, was born!

All the while at Lockheed, the projects he worked on were top secret classified, so we were never sure exactly what he was doing. But recently, Lockheed’s early photo-reconnaissance satellite programs were de-classified and we got to hear all about it! Look up the Corona, Gambit and Hexagon satellites for more information. We are so proud of all the pioneering work that he did!

Many friends and relatives throughout the years have admired Dr. Hugh Satterlee. They say he was knowledgeable and opinionated, studious and observant, faithful and helpful. Although he might have come across as terse, he was in fact efficient with his words. Hugh was always genuine and he loved a good time! He could be quite serious, but when relaxed and telling stories, we got to hear his unique chuckle.

Hugh was a resident of Palo Alto for at least 70 years! Returning to civilian life after the Navy, he and his wife bought their home on the corner of Oregon Avenue in 1962. A new expressway was to be built right down that avenue, but no matter. Their young son loved watching the construction vehicles and Hugh then enjoyed a quick way to get on 101 to go to work at Moffett Field every work day. On weekends, Hugh could be seen riding his bike to the hardware store or Stanford Stadium for a football game and a tailgate party. At home, he could usually be found working in his garage fixing things, maintaining his own cars, or doing what he enjoyed most: designing and building furniture for use in the family home. Hugh created many functional wooden furniture items for his family throughout the years. From coffee tables, to dining room tables, bookcases, stereo shelving, desks and dressers, his items were sturdy and custom-made to fit their function and space.

Hugh and Eleanor enjoyed each other’s company and they participated in many activities together. In addition to attending and teaching Sunday School, washing dishes after the Sunday Coffee Hour, tithing and serving for years on the board of the First Baptist Church of Palo Alto, Hugh and Eleanor were instrumental in making sure that the iconic church structure at 305 North California Avenue, retain its beauty and its role as a spiritual center and thriving community hub, now known as Grace Presbyterian of Silicon Valley. All the proceeds from that sale were donated to several international sister churches and local programs, including the Ecumenical Hunger Project.

When Eleanor, his life-time friend, companion and faithful wife, passed away in February of 2025, we were of course very sad. Yet, we knew that the suffering of Alzheimer’s had passed, and now Eleanor’s spirit could be free to be her wonderful self again! And Hugh felt relieved that he had completed his duty to watch over her. On February 23rd, 2026, Hugh passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. It was 377 days after his wife had gone, and only 12 days before his 95th birthday. We are grateful that we had decided to celebrate early!

Hugh and Eleanor are survived by both of their children, their spouses, and three grandsons, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.

Now that Hugh and Eleanor are together again, we will be celebrating them together. A Celebration of the Lives of Hugh and Eleanor, will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 18th, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT.

If you would like to attend the virtual Zoom call, please contact Martha or Mark Satterlee, or email Martha: marthaasap123@gmail.com

In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be made to the Ecumenical Hunger Project, or your favorite charity.