Abraham Harry Gallas, 83, Overland Park, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, at Menorah Medical Center.
Funeral services were to be held in the Chapel at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery on Wednesday, Feb. 12, followed by burial. The family suggests contributions to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212 or a charity of your choice.
Harry was born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Israel and Sadie (Yodler) Gallas. He graduated from high school in 1947, attended Kansas City Junior College and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 serving four years, primarily engineering and testing new aeronautic systems being developed by the Air Force. He attended the University of Kansas where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering.
He married his wife Marilyn of 55 years in 1955 and moved to California. Harry worked for several major airline design and manufacturing companies and was part of the NASA team that taught the crew members of Apollo 11 to walk on the moon. Harry always believed his interest in building and flying model airplanes led to his long career in and passion for aeronautics.
Harry was a longtime member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
His first passion was always loving, supporting and caring for his family. In more recent years he especially loved being “Zayde” to his three grandchildren.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife Marilyn.
He is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Rachel Towle, Overland Park, Heather Gallas, Yorba Linda, Calif., and Becky and Dale Knutson, Edmond, Okla.; brother and sister-in-law, Shelton and Nancy Gallas, Overland Park; and grandchildren, Hannah, Aaron and Shayna Towle.
Condolences may be shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
Arr: Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.