Ralph Monroe Parsons (c 1896–20 December 1974) was an American engineer and businessperson.[1] He was the founder of the Parsons Corporation.[2]

Biography

Parsons was interested in engineering from an early age. At age 13, he opened a garage and machine shop in Amagansett, Long Island, with his brother. He studied machine design at Pratt Institute and graduated in 1916.[2] He then enlisted in the US Navy, leaving in the mid-1920s to specialize in oil refinery engineering.

During World War II, Parsons formed a partnership with Stephen D. Bechtel (later his chief rival) and John A. McCone (later head of the Central Intelligence Agency). In 1944, he founded Ralph M. Parsons Company.[2] The company managed the construction of petroleum refineries, chemical plants, mines, metallurgical facilities, missile and space vehicle launching facilities and nuclear plants.[2]

Parsons remained chairman and chief executive officer of the company until his death.[2] He died aged 78 in December 1974 in San Marino, California.[3] The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation is named after him.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Howard, David B. (June 20, 2010). Anheier, Helmut K.; Toepler, Stefan (eds.). International Encyclopedia of Civil Society. Springer US. pp. 1127–1127. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-93996-4_265 – via Springer Link.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "RALPH M. PARSONS, INDUSTRIALIST, 78". The New York Times. December 21, 1974.
  3. ↑ "Star News Newspaper Archives, Dec 20, 1974, p. 75". Star News. December 20, 1974.
  4. ↑ "The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation of Pasadena..." Los Angeles Times. August 16, 1992.
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