Obituary of Edward Mamert Toleikis

TOLEIKIS, Edward M. Peacefully passed away at Cornerstone Hospital, Tucson, AZ on Aug 30, 2015. Beloved husband of sixty-six years to Irene (née Kozlowska.) Also survived by his children Steven (Lorraine), Philip, and Barbara, granddaughters Miranda (Jeremy), Lauren (Simon), Annise, and Hilary (Brian), and a great-granddaughter, Bridget. Born in Philadelphia, PA., on Oct 8, 1924, Ed graduated from Drexel Institute with a degree in mechanical engineering. His career in the aerospace industry spanned the entire US aeronautics and space program, from early helicopters to the space shuttle. He worked with Piasecki Aircraft Corp, RCA and General Electric where a highlight was his role as environmental test engineer on the Apollo Moon Project, working on the astronauts' backpacks and radio transmitters for the "moon buggy." After retirement, Ed and Irene moved to Tucson, AZ, where they enjoyed SAGE and lived happily together. Ed had a passion for air flight, and continued to build aircraft models into his 91st year. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Sept 2, 2015 at St Francis de Sales Church, to be followed by internment at Our Lady of the Desert. Arrangements by Bring's Broadway Chapel. Fly high, Dad.