Edward Michael Dullaghan

Edward Michael Dullaghan passed away February 28, 2026 at the age of 97. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Bridget (Gillespie). He is survived by his four children: Edward (Gaye Dunlap), Marie (Jaimie Dunham), Aileen (John Munster), and Patrick (Paige Callan); his cherished grandchildren Aiden, Katie, Meredith, Nolan, Marisol, and Nick; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in the Bronx and Manhattan, Ed remained a New Yorker at heart even after relocating to Virginia in 1969. An electronics engineer by training, he earned a degree in Physics from Hofstra College and went on to a distinguished career with RCA Corporation, Sperry Corporation, Grumman Aerospace Corporation, and the United States Navy in civil service. He contributed to the development of training systems and simulators used to prepare sailors in the United States and around the world.

During the Korean War, Ed served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. His time abroad sparked a lifelong appreciation for travel and exploration.

With eyes often turned skyward, Ed was captivated by airplanes and flight from an early age. He flew radio-controlled model aircraft, earned his license to pilot full-size gliders, and avidly followed advancements in rocket propulsion technology. He took particular pride in his role in the efforts that ultimately placed spacecraft on the moon. Gifted with exceptional mechanical ability, Ed rarely encountered a car, computer, or clock he could not repair. In later years, he became especially skilled in restoring cuckoo clocks. A talented machinist, he also enjoyed building and collecting vintage model airplane engines.

Ed was a devoted member of St. Matthew's Catholic Church, the Tidewater Soaring Society Glider Club, the Brainbusters Model Engine Club, and the Tidewater Model Soaring Society. He will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, ingenuity and enduring love of family and flight.

A viewing will be held 6:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home (1485 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, March 6, 2026 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church (3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach).