Edward Steven Palasthy

Edward Steven Palasthy, 85, a long time Martinsville, Va., resident, died on Sunday, September 14, 2008, after a long illness. He was the son of the late Julia Medve Palasthy and Michael Julius Palasthy. His father arrived in the United States from Hungary in 1906.
Ed was born in Bethlehem, Pa., on December 10, 1922. He became an Eagle Scout, was a competitive sailor and an avid tennis player.
He graduated from Maury High School, Norfolk, Va., in 1939 and after working as an apprentice machinist in the Naval Shipyard, served as a Second Engineer in the United States Merchant Marine where he served in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, making 29 ocean crossings during and after World War II.
With money saved from his time at sea, he funded his undergraduate and graduate educations at Virginia Tech and Columbia University, ultimately earning a masters degree in mechanical engineering.
Following graduation, he worked as a research engineer for Rohm and Haas in Huntsville, Ala., and served as an assistant to Dr. Werner von Braun, the German rocket design and propulsion specialist. He and Dr. von Braun helped start the First Lutheran Church in Huntsville.
Ed next took a job with DuPont, where he was employed as a research and development engineer for 30 years. He continued to consult with DuPont an additional 10 years. While working for DuPont, he lived with his family in Wilmington, Del., and Camden, S.C., before settling in Martinsville, Va., in 1962.
After his retirement from DuPont, he taught physics at the Carlisle School, Martinsville, Va., and also attended Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville, Va., graduating in 1995 at the age of 72 with an associates degree in computer science, becoming, at that time, the institution's oldest graduate.
He was a 46-year member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsville, Va., and served as treasurer for over 20 years.
Ed was a lovable and dependable husband, father and grandfather. He had an outrageous sense of humor and a tremendous zest for living. He enjoyed golf, bridge, bowling, traveling and the occasional game of poker. He was absolutely reliable in all relationships professional and personal, the epitome of honesty. He set the best of examples for all who came to know and love him.
His wife of 54 years, Claire Gatley Palasthy; and his brother, Arthur Palasthy; preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Anne P. Hagan and her husband, Dr. Hugh J. Hagan, of Roanoke, Va.; and daughter, Susan P. Amonette and her husband, Gregg B. Amonette, of Rockbridge Baths, Va.; six grandchildren, Tom, Tye and Piper Hagan and Jake, Margaret and Elizabeth Amonette; sister, Lola Bregger and her husband, John Bregger, of Bradenton, Fla.; nephews, Charles and Miklos Bregger, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; sister-in-law, Marian Mahon, of Richmond, Va.; sister-in-law, Flo Gatley, of Falls Church, Va.; and niece, Sarah Jane Ziaya and her husband, Dave, of Vienna, Va.
Ed's life will be celebrated 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lynn Bechdolt, officiating. Interment will follow at the Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Va. The family will receive friends at a lunch reception in the church fellowship hall immediately following the interment.
Memorial donations in Ed's name may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1527 East Church Street Ext., Martinsville, Va. 24112.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his compassionate caregivers at the Lacy Health Care Center, King's Grant, Martinsville, Va.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Martinsville, Va., is serving the Palasthy family. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.norrisfuneral.com.