GALLERY
GALLERY
GALLERY
Jerome B. Komendera
2025 Inductee
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Jerome “Jerry” B. Komendera’s legacy in the fluid power industry is one of innovation, leadership, and mentorship. A Detroit native, Jerry graduated from the University of Detroit in 1950 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Following his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he began a distinguished career that would span over four decades and leave a lasting imprint on the industry.
Jerry held prominent positions at respected organizations, including Greer Hydraulics, Bellows Valvair, Mac Valves, and Hydromation Filter. Most notably, he served as President of Automatic Valve, Inc. from 1963 to 1990, continuing to consult in the industry until his full retirement in 1993. Under his leadership, Automatic Valve became a key player in advancing solenoid and reversing valve technologies. He was named as an inventor on multiple U.S. patents, showcasing his commitment to innovation and technical advancement.
Beyond his commercial success, Jerry was a driving force in industry education and advocacy. He was a founding member and past president of the Fluid Power Society Detroit Chapter 1, where he championed programs to train and develop young engineers. He also helped establish the Detroit Chapter 1 Education Foundation and served on the board that launched the Detroit Area Fluid Power Shows. Jerry’s passion for mentorship shaped countless careers, making him a true ambassador for fluid power.
Those who knew Jerry describe him as intellectually curious, humble, and always eager to understand and support others. His growth mindset, people-first leadership style, and genuine generosity were central to his impact. Whether collaborating with customers, supporting colleagues, or mentoring the next generation, Jerry led with integrity and purpose.
In recognition of his technical contributions, educational leadership, and unwavering dedication to the fluid power industry, Jerome B. Komendera is a deserving inductee into the Fluid Power Hall of Fame.
Dr. Andrea Vacca
2025 Inductee
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Dr. Andrea Vacca is the director of the Maha Fluid Power Research Center, the largest academic research center dedicated to fluid power research in the United States. His research focuses on several aspects of hydraulic control technology including new concepts to perform hydraulic actuations, new designs and modeling of positive displacement machines, electrification of fluid power systems, modeling of the properties of hydraulic fluids, reduction of noise emissions from hydraulic components. His research has been funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and several industry partners like Bosch, Bobcat, Casappa, Caterpillar, Case New Holland, Collins Aerospace, Danfoss, Eaton Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Parker Hannifin, Tesla, among others.
Dr. Vacca holds 24 patents/patent applications and he is author of more than 200 technical papers (including 14 prize papers), and of the textbook “Hydraulic Fluid Power”. He is the Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Fluid Power, one of the directors of the Global Fluid Power Society and a former chair of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) - Fluid Power Division and of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) - Fluid Power System and Technology Division.
In 2019, Andrea Vacca was awarded the 2019 Joseph Bramah Medal from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for his contributions to global fluid power research, particularly related to gear pumps. Andrea Vacca is also a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) since 2024. Andrea Vacca received his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with honor from the University of Parma (Italy) and his Doctoral degree in Energy Systems from the University of Florence (Italy).