Dominick R. "Dick" Virgilio, 95, of Newtown died July 16. He was born in New York City and lived on Long Island until his retirement when he came to reside in Newtown with his wife of 70 years, Mary Virgilio,  and became active in the Newtown Senior Center.

Mr Virgilio died on the launch anniversary of the Apollo Lunar Excursion, the "LEM," which landed on the moon in 1969. As an aerospace engineer for Grumman Aircraft/NASA in Bethpage, N.Y., he was instrumental in achieving the success of the moon landing.

He was always known to be a distinguished and polished gentleman. He was active in mentoring young people who sought out his guidance in establishing "life's five-year plan." Mr Virgilio was an avid gardener and a board member of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, Long Island.

He was a loving father to Diane and Lou Lindenbaum of Ridgefield and Joan and Michael Burg of New Milford; a loving and involved grandfather to Christopher Cox, Jennifer Ainsley, Diane Bourgue, and Jonathan Burg, supporting and encouraging them in their life pursuits; and he adored his five great-grandchildren, all who survive him. Mary predeceased him in 2013.

Special thanks for the caring comfort offered by Vitas Hospice, especially Jessica, and thanks to Bethel Health Care's nursing staff, especially Jaime, Kerry, Tom, and Juana.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Wednesday, July 19, from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, on Thursday, July 20, at 10 am. Interment will be in Calvarton National Cemetery, Calvarton, Long Island.

To leave an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.