Robert Leo Witkowski

Robert Leo Witkowski
February 12, 1930 — May 2, 2019
Robert Leo Witkowski, A loving husband, an endearing father and a doting grandfather,
passed away on May 2, 2019 at the age of 89. Bob had a long career in California as
an aerospace engineer and contributed to the success of both the Apollo and Space
Shuttle programs.

Bob was born February 12, 1930 in Beatrice, Nebraska and proudly served in the US
Navy during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954 as an aviation
electrical specialist. He graduated from the UCLA engineering school and began his
aerospace career at North American Aviation (later Rockwell). Bob met Dora Diaz, a
registered nurse, at a Bruin's veteran/nursing school dance and they wed in 1963. Bob
later earned his MBA at Long Beach State.

Bob stayed active in retirement. He enjoyed weekly golf games with his friends. He
collected and refurbished antique clocks and enjoyed family trips in their motor home
throughout the US. Bob generously volunteered his time for church and many
organizations including LaPalma Hospital where he served as Chairman of the Board.
Family parties hosted by Bob and Dora were full of joy and featured Bob's ubiquitous
one-liner jokes.

Bob is survived by siblings Art Witkowski and Pat Myers, Bob's wife Dora, their daughter
Nancy Anderson, her husband Merrill Anderson and two grandchildren by their recently
deceased daughter Lisa Ethington and her husband Mark Ethington: Ashley Ethington-
Ball and her husband Austin Ethington-Ball; and Celeste Ethington.