Benesch Past-President, Harold Sandberg, Passes Away at 100

CHICAGO, IL — We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Harold Sandberg, PE, SE.

Mr. Sandberg joined Benesch in 1947 and was the company’s very first employee. He played a significant role at Benesch – both through his contributions as a structural engineer, as well as through his leadership. Harold served as President of Benesch from 1971 – 1982 and is accredited with pushing the firm to embrace critical technology advancements during that timeframe.

As a structural engineer, he designed and managed a number of significant bridges including the first concrete segmental bridge in Illinois – I-39 over the Kishwaukee River; as well as two Mississippi River bridges: I-57 at Cairo, Illinois and twin tied arch spans on I-255 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

Mr. Sandberg was highly influential throughout the engineering industry. He was actively involved in ASCE, AREMA (Committees 5 and 9), SEAOI, ACI, ACEC-IL, and was also a founding member of the Chicago Committee on High-Rise Buildings. Mr. Sandberg also had the unique opportunity to offer expert testimony on structural failures in public facilities before the House Committee on Science and Technology.

A graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, he was a life-long supporter of the University and the Alumni Association.

Mr. Sandberg was known for being generous with his time and talents, mentoring many engineers at Benesch and beyond. He was deeply committed to the advancement of the engineering industry and worked to motivate everyone around him to be their very best. Mr. Sandberg turned 100 years old this past December. He will be greatly missed by those who had the honor to work with him and learn from him.