This post was contributed by local author Michael A. Davi. It was also published on the Daily Gazette website on Oct. 1, 2024.
In May 2023, while researching my article titled “Niskayuna’s Beloved Lina Newstead” (September4, 2023 Daily Gazette Gleanings Series), I had the privilege of connecting with Charles Newstead, Lina's youngest son. Despite his advanced age (91) and being in hospice care at his home in McClean, VA, Charles graciously agreed to speak with me by phone. Our initial conversation. which lasted over an hour, flowed effortlessly, leading to a follow-up discussion a few days later. Our talks were extraordinary, revealing insights about Charles’ own incredible life that historical investigations alone could never uncover.
Sadly, Charles passed away on Father’s Day 2023, just a day before our planned third conversation. However, I had already transcribed over two hours of our discussions, which, combined with further research, form the basis of the following story.
Born to Aaron and Lina Newstead in September 1931, Charles spent formative years of his youth growing up in Niskayuna. He fondly recalled his younger days living above his mother’s convenience store on Van Antwerp Road. One of his cherished pastimes was walking to the Rivoli Theater on Union Street, now a Karate studio, where he could enjoy hours of entertainment for a mere ten cents and a few extra coins for snacks.
Charles' photo and blurb in the Nott Terrace Terracian Yearbook, 1950
Charles developed an early fascination with science, sparked by listening to the GE Science Forum broadcasts on WGY radio. The weekly science programs ignited a lifelong passion which led Charles to his study of physics.
Despite nearly missing high school graduation (Nott Terrace HS Class of 1950) over confusion about course credits, Charles persevered encouraged by a concerned and compassionate teacher. While initially reluctant to further his education, Charles was nudged by older brother Edwin (himself a Union College graduate) to apply to New York University, barely meeting the application deadline. From this somewhat shaky start, Charles flourished academically, later graduating summa cum laude with a Doctorate in Physics from the prestigious University of Oxford.
Charles at his graduation from the University of Oxford
After completing studies at Oxford, Charles ventured to continental Europe, where he met and ultimately married his soulmate, Inge. His professional journey led him to the prominent French Atomic Energy Commission and later to Brookhaven National Laboratories on Long Island, where he worked alongside eminent nuclear scientists. Charles’ expertise eventually caught the attention of the Department of Energy, leading to a distinguished career spanning 40 years at the US Department of State as a Senior Science Advisor.
Charles’ work in nuclear non-proliferation and threat assessment earned him recognition from top U.S. policymakers, including interactions with former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. His insights were crucial in helping decision makers shape U.S. responses to significant global events, such as Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
When I asked Charles about his views on climate change, he did not hesitate to predict that nuclear fusion would be the ultimate solution to this existential problem. He eloquently described fusion as “building the sun on earth,” a phrase that succinctly describes this powerful, complex technology. Despite the controversy and technical challenges with nuclear fusion, Charles firmly believed that difficulties with this promising yet perplexing technology will one day be overcome.
To underscore his statement, Charles cited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Program (ITER). ITER is a multi-billion dollar collaborative effort of 35 nations building the world’s largest fusion reactor plant in southern France. The program's goal is to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of fusion power.
Charles Newstead
During our conversations, Charles surprised me by drawing parallels between his work and my own experiences at GE -- we both essentially synthesized complex technical information for higher level decision-makers. Even in the face of serious illness, his sharp intellect and ability to make such correlations left a lasting impression on me.
Although I knew his passing was imminent, the news still came as a shock. Our rapport had lulled me into a sense of timelessness, making it hard to accept that the end was so near. Yet, despite the sadness of his loss, I find comfort in knowing that our conversations brought Charles some joy in his final days, rekindling his love for Niskayuna and keeping his mind engaged with thoughts of happier times. In reflecting on our connection, I take solace in the idea that our shared discussions offered him a sense of fulfillment and peace as he approached the end of his remarkable life.