Richard Whitehead

Richard Elbert Whitehead, 90, passed away October 25, 2011. Richard worked in the aerospace industry since its inception at White Sands Proving Ground in the 1940s. There he met his wife,Virginia, who was his friend and companion for over 60 years until she passed away in May. He worked for NASA and Boeing on the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs before retiring in 1994. Richard was a direct descendent of the American Revolutionary war hero Samuel Elbert, and enjoyed researching his history and genealogy. He also loved sailing. He and Virginia spent several happy years sailing around Florida on their 32-foot sailboat, the Sea Queen, before settling in Merritt Island and raising a family. Richard is survived by daughters, Peggy and Catherine; sons, Michael and James; daughters-in-law Solange and Elana; Ashley, a granddaughter whom he raised; and grandchildren William, Joseph, Lynelle, Derek, Noah, Bethany, Adam and Anna.