Alden Munson, Esteemed Engineer and Community Leader, Passes Away

Alden Vincent Munson Jr., a prominent figure in engineering and national intelligence, passed away on August 29, 2025, due to complications following heart surgery. A long-time resident of Manhattan Beach, he was known for his significant contributions to the field of engineering and his dynamic presence in both professional and personal circles.

A Lifelong Journey of Achievement

Brought into the world on April 9, 1942, in Kingsburg, California, Alden was the son of Alden and Marguerite (Rouch) Munson. He spent his formative years in Springville and later in Visalia, where his family operated a logging and development business. Alden’s educational journey began at Mount Whitney High School, where he excelled in both football and music as a trombone player. He continued his studies at the College of the Sequoias before earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State College. His academic pursuits culminated with a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley, along with advanced studies in computer science at UCLA and executive programs at Harvard and Stanford.

Alden launched his professional career at The Aerospace Corporation in 1966. In 1973, he joined TRW, where he made remarkable strides, eventually becoming Vice President of TRW’s System Development Division. His innovative work earned him recognition as a Pioneer of National Reconnaissance by the National Reconnaissance Office in 2000 for creating a fully automatic electronic intelligence system.

Legacy of Leadership and Passion

After retiring in 1997, Alden continued to play a vital role in the intelligence community, taking on senior leadership positions at Litton Industries and serving as Deputy Director for Acquisitions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from 2007 to 2010. His contributions were honored with the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal in 2009.

Beyond his professional life, Alden was a passionate individual. He loved water skiing and camping on the Stockton Delta, and he embraced a lifelong enthusiasm for snow skiing, eagerly anticipating his future trips with family, especially with his grandsons, Max and Sam Bechtel. His interests also included model trains, where he was an active member of the Los Angeles Model Railroad Society.

Alden is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Munson, their daughter Kathryn (Katie) Bechtel and her husband Greg, as well as his beloved grandsons. He also leaves behind his sister, Marguerite (Pegi) Hover, and brother Charles Munson, both of Visalia. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathryn Munson.

A Celebration of Life will take place on November 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Beach Community Church, located at 303 S. Peck Ave. A reception will follow the service.