Erwin S. McCalla

McCalla, Erwin S., also known as Mac, of Maryland formerly of Central Islip died at the age of 82 on February 21, 2001, at the Oakcrest Village in Parkville, MD, from complications after a long battle with Parkinson’s. 

He served in the U.S. Army as a Sargent in the Signal Corps during the Korean War.

He worked at Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage, NY for 33 years.  Retiring as the first African-American Vice President in Facilities Management Department, he dealt with the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module). He was also actively involved in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) for over 25 years.

He was honored by the Harlem Branch YMCA’s Salute to Black Achievers and also by The Society of 100 Black Men.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling with friends and family. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Isola and Godfrey Levy.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 55 years, four children: Kim of Monkton, MD, Ruth of Winston Salem, NC, Chirs of Leesburg, VA and Richard of Bay Shore, LI, NY, six grandchildren: Nicole, Michael, Chris, Austin, Kymberly and Jordan, and a host of family and friends.

Reposing at Thomas P. Walsh Funeral Home, Inc.,  60 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip on Sunday (2/27/11) from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 PM.  

Religious Service Sunday at 3:30 PM. Prayer, Monday at 9:30 AM in the Funeral Home followed by Interment with Military Honors in Calverton National; Cemetery.