Ellison S. Onizuka

Ellison S. Onizuka

Ellison Onizuka Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 26, 2011.
Growing up in Hawaii, Ellison Shoji Onizuka participated in 4-H and Boy Scouts, rising to the level of Eagle Scout. He went on to earn degrees in aerospace engineering and then, in 1970, joined the U.S. Air Force. Onizuka served as a test flight engineer and test pilot before being selected for the astronaut program in 1978.

In January 1985, as Mission Specialist 1 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Onizuka became the first Asian American in space. After the success of that flight, Onizuka was again selected to serve as Mission Specialist, this time aboard the Challenger for mission STS 51-L which would launch January 28, 1986.

Onizuka and the entire Challenger were killed when the Shuttle exploded seconds after lift-off. He was survived by his wife and his two young daughters.

Twenty-five years later we remember astronaut Ellison Onizuka and invite you to share memories and condolences in his Guest Book.

Sign Ellison Onizuka's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 29, 2024

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2023

James Onizuka posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2019

Earl Frazier posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

January 29, 2024

Rip to him it sucks how he died like that but now he's in heaven in peace

James Onizuka

December 14, 2023

Have a good time where u are u were a good help to the us

Earl Frazier

November 9, 2019

Sunnyvale Air Force Station in Sunnyvale, California where I spent my Air Force career was renamed for Col. Onizuka after he died on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986. I met his wife Lorna then and saw her again when they de-commissioned the station in 2010, a victim of a Base Realighnment And Closure (BRAC) decision. I went on TV and spoke about the shock that those of us retirees still living in Santa Clara County when the station's closure was first annouced would affect us for years to come. They named a space operations building on Vandenberg AFB, California in Col. Onizuka's honor and his memoribilia from Onizuka AFS went there so it wasn't lost to history.

February 19, 2014

Thanks for a wonderful and exciting endeavor in space a great legacy and fine example for many. You are missed.

dearon fujimoto

October 28, 2013

hi im dearon fujimoto i am 8 years old and ellison onizuka is my cousin my first cousin no joke!

Lexi M.

January 29, 2013

I am also from the Big Island of Hawaii. You are an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace. Aloha.

Janice Brencick

January 28, 2013

The people of Hawaii are proud of you. You are always in our memory and will forever remain in our hearts.

January 28, 2013

A true American Hero. RIP Sir.

SCOTT CHAMBERLAND

February 6, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

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Sign Ellison Onizuka's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 29, 2024

Someone posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2023

James Onizuka posted to the memorial.

November 9, 2019

Earl Frazier posted to the memorial.