Edward Valigursky Sr.

Edward Valigursky Sr., 82, of Cape Coral, Fla., passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2009, at home. He was born in 1925, in Arnold, a son of Anastazia and Jacob Valigursky. He graduated from Arnold High School and the Pittsburgh Art Institute. He was a freelance artist and one of the country's best known illustrators of aircraft, ships, spacecraft and other machines. He was a regular illustrator for Popular Mechanics Tech Update and his paintings are on permanent exhibit in such places as the Pentagon, numerous Naval and Air Force installations and in the homes of corporate and government officials. Ed was a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists and the Society of American Historical Artists. His work has garnered him numerous awards over the years. At the age of 17, in late 1943, Edward joined the Navy and served through to 1946. Survivors include his wife, Rita; a son, Edward Valigursky Jr.; a daughter, Lisa Valigursky; two sisters, Ann (Oscar) Martin and Margaret (John) Fiorina; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Anastazia Kankoly Valigursky; brother, Steven (Sophie) Valigursky; sisters, Mary (Thomas) Cimino, Juliana (Patrick) Domanico and Gertrude (Michael) Stabilka; two nieces, Valerie Fiorina and Donna Stabilka; and one nephew, Michael Valigursky. Edward was of Catholic faith and will be cremated and buried at sea by the Navy.