Walter J. Zable, who
claimed the 1980 NFF Gold Medal and served on the NFF Board of Directors since 1983,
passed away this weekend. He was 97.
“Walter Zable represents
everything great about our great game,” said NFF President & CEO Steve
Hatchell. “He took the competitive spirit of the gridiron and applied it as one
of our country’s most successful businessman. He then utilized the same skills
to become a leader in the community, giving back on countless levels. Our
thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and we are truly grateful
for his legacy.”
Zable founded the Cubic
Corporation in 1951. He served as the company’s CEO and chairman, building it into
a global powerhouse as a leader in defense systems, mission support services
and transportation solutions. The San Diego, Calif., company and its 7,800
employees produced more than $1.3 billion in sales in 2011 while conducting
business in 21 countries.
A 1937 graduate of the College of William and Mary, Zable starred on the
Tribe football team, earning honorable mention All-American accolades and being named a
First Team All-South Atlantic player. Zable continued his graduate work at
William and Mary and at the University of Florida, receiving his master’s
degree in physics and mathematics. While
continuing his studies, Zable played professional football for the Richmond
Arrows.
Originally from Boston, his
background included engineering and management posts with Sperry Gyroscope
Company, where he directed development of fire control, guidance,
communications, and command and control systems, and he served as project
supervisor in charge of electronics for the Atlas and Terrier missiles,
microwave, and antenna development sections at General Dynamics Convair. His
outstanding business career also included key technical, scientific and
administrative positions with Federal Telecommunications Laboratories of ITT,
Flight Research Company, and Newport News Shipyard and Drydock Company.
Zable co-founded the NFF chapter
in San Diego,
which now bears his name, in 1971. The chapter’s many activities include
honoring the 26 top scholar-athletes in the city at its annual banquet and
selecting the Most Valuable Player of the Week during the regular high school
football season. Zable’s many athletics honors include induction into the
College of William and Mary Hall of Fame; being named to the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary
team; and accepting the NCAA’s Teddy Roosevelt Award.
In 1978, William and Mary conferred
upon him an honorary doctorate of law. Zable contributed more than $17 million to William and
Mary, and in 1990, the school named the football stadium in his honor.
Zable received many honors from
the San Diego community, including the San Diego Magazine’s “Industrialist of
the Year" in 1971, City of Hope’s Area Executive Council’s “Man of the
Year,” and California Manufacturer’s Association’s “Manufacturer of the
Year.” The San Diego Hall of Champions
named him “Community Champion of the Year” in 1992. In June 2005, the City of
San Diego recognized his contributions to technology and the community by declaring
"Walter J. Zable Day" in his honor. In November 2006, he was named
Entrepreneur
of the Year by Ernst
& Young, which also honored him with
a San Diego Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Zable was predeceased by his wife Betty Carter
Zable, who died in 2007 at the age of 88. He is survived by a daughter Karen Z. Cox, son Walter C. Zable, and
five granddaughters
