By Karen Andrew
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Maurice W. Shayeson was a specialist in jet engine fuels and lubricants who often traveled abroad to consult with jet engine manufacturers.

But the Springfield Township man known by his friends as Maury never forgot his hometown. He was a frequent volunteer for several organizations and individuals, from the Boy Scouts to Jewish Hospital patients.

Mr. Shayeson, 89, died Friday at the Hospice of Cincinnati of complications from Parkinson's Disease.

He was born in Cincinnati to Max and Matilda Shayeson and graduated from Hughes High School in 1932. He earned his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1936.

His first job out of college was with DuPont in New Jersey from 1936-37, and he recalled seeing the Hindenburg airship as it passed over the DuPont plant moments before its 1937 explosion.

That same year, he returned to Ohio to work as a civilian at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and was commissioned as an Army Air Corps officer. Based in the post-World War II occupied Japan in 1945, he studied Japanese aircraft design and development. He was later called to active duty stateside during the military conflict in Korea. He retired as a lieutenant colonel.

During the early 1950s, Shayeson represented the U.S. at the annual NATO meetings regarding standardization of fuel and oil specifications for the numerous countries.

One of his daughters, Jerri Roberts of Wyoming, said, "one of his favorite memories was being in London for a NATO session and seeing Queen Elizabeth in her coronation processional."

In 1955, Shayeson left Wright-Patterson to work for General Electric Aircraft Engines in Evendale as a fuels and lubricants specialist.

He loved to fish at Cumberland Lake with his buddies and camp and sail with his son, Mike of Indian Hill. He also enjoyed weekly golf outings with friends from GE Aircraft Engines and son-in-law Jim Thomas of Wyoming.

"He was a great friend," Thomas said. "My dad died 30 years ago and he was my second father. He was a wonderful dad."

The Cincinnati Enquirer featured Mr. Shayeson as a "Hometown Hero" in 1997 because of his volunteer efforts.

"I'd go crazy without this work," he said in the story. "I can't retire - I've been working all my life."

Other survivors include his wife of 60 years, Leona; daughter Anne Strahm of Vestal, N.Y.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at Weil Funeral Home, 8350 Cornell Road in Blue Ash.Memorials: The Jewish Hospital, 4777 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236; American Parkinson's Disease Association, 165 W. Galbraith Road, Suite 218, Cincinnati, OH 45216; or the Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

E-mail: kandrew@enquirer.com.