On June 9, 1929 LeRoy Patrick LoPresti was born to Agnes (LaRusso) and Patrick LoPresti in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. He was suddenly called home to be with our Lord on August 7, 2002. Survivors include his Aunt Kay Riley (William) of Melbourne, Florida; brother Richard (Linda) of Peterstown, West Virginia; his loving wife and soul mate of fifty years Margaret "Peggy"; five children, daughter Amy (Tim) of Allen, Texas; sons Curt (Etta), Jim (Beverly), Roy, and David (Anne) all of Vero Beach, Florida. He also celebrated life with eleven grandchildren whom he all adored and held a special place in his heart.

Mr. LoPresti was a graduate of New York University receiving a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force pilot and was a veteran of the Korean War. Following his military service he held many notable positions within the aviation community.

Mr. LoPresti's career highlights include the following:

Grumman Aerospace - Long Island, New York
One of the original lunar module designers and a consulting pilot on the lunar module program

Grumman American - Cleveland, Ohio
As Chief Engineer he was responsible for designing the Grumman Tiger and Cheetah aircraft.

Mooney Aircraft - Kerrville, Texas
Chief Engineer and Vice President of Engineering who was responsible for designing the Mooney 201, 231, 252, and 301 aircraft

Beech Aircraft - Wichita, Kansas
He served as Vice President of Engineering.

In 1987 Mr. and Mrs. LoPresti located to Vero Beach, Florida to join forces with the former Piper Aircraft.

LoPresti Speed Merchants is the family's aviation business formed in 1991, where Mr. LoPresti served as President until his death. Seven members of the LoPresti family remain to operate the company.

In 1990 Roy was a recipient of the Godfrey Cabot Award. The Cabot Award is presented each year by the Aero Club of New England in recognition of outstanding contributions to the advancement of aviation and aerospace science. The Cabot Award is a highly coveted award that made his family extremely proud.

A mass celebrating Roy's life will be offered at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2002 at St. Augustine Episcopal Church located at 475 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach. The Reverend Michael W. Goldberg will be officiating. Following the mass, Roy will be interred at the church columbarium immediately followed by a reception in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Roy's honor to St. Augustine Episcopal Church, where the family enjoys active membership, tremendous amounts of love, and spiritual strength.

Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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St. Augustine Episcopal Church
475 43rd Ave.
Vero Beach, FL 32968