Peter E. Klug died on 10/15/12 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, FL, surrounded by his loving Family. Peter was born on October 27, 1935 in Blue Point, Long Island, New York to Marion and Edgar Klug. Pete graduated from Blue Point High School, class of 1952 and from the University of Miami, class of 1956 with a mechanical engineering degree. Following college graduation, Pete joined the Air Force and served for 3 years as a Lieutenant Navigator and Radar Operator.
Pete's experiences with the Air Force confirmed his interest in space exploration, and he was drawn to the adventure and challenge of being a pioneer in the mission to land a man on the moon. Pete satisfied this sense of adventure by joining Grumman, later Northrup Grumman Aerospace (a NASA sub-contractor) in Cape Canaveral, Florida as an integral member of the engineering team that developed the propulsion system for the Lunar Exploration Module (LEM). Later in his career, he was involved with Grumman in the development of the Joint Stars Program. Pete's career at Northrup Grumman as an aerospace engineer spanned over 25 years.
Throughout his aerospace career, Pete was fascinated by all things mechanical, and he pursued numerous hobbies and interests including restoring World War II airplanes, building street worthy model cars, and he participated in the design and fabrication of an airboat and single person helicopter. He as an avid boater and spent countless hours on the Banana and Indian Rivers adjacent to his home on Merritt Island, FL.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Barbara (Mimi) Yax Klug, three children Michael of Manchester, CT., Eric of Fort Walton Beach, FL., Paige of Greenville, SC., and two grandchildren, Megan and Kyle Klug of Tallahassee, FL. Pete is also survived by his brother Eric Klug of Blue Point, Long Island, NY., and sister Christine Gallaway of Rockledge, FL.
A memorial mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the VNA Hospice House at 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, Inc. at 2300 5th Ave, Suite 150 Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.