OBITUARY: Propulsion Engineer Alvin Eichin, 94, of Titusville Passes Away

Alvin's entire career was spent working in the aerospace industry

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – Alvin Eichin,  94, born in Hackensack New Jersey to the late Henry and Mary (Kirk) Eichin. Al enlisted in the Navy in 1944, days after graduation. Building model airplanes in his youth developed a keen interest in airplanes. At one time he worked at Teterboro airport which was within walking distance of his home.

Later his entire career was spent working in the aerospace industry. While at Bell Aerosystems in Niagara Falls as a propulsion engineer, he was thrilled to be working on the X-1 program with Chuck Yeager and spending some time at Edwards Air Force Base.

His career continued at Cape Canaveral beginning on the Mercury program in 1960 and continued through Gemini, Apollo, and the Space shuttle. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Elaine (Williams), three children: Lynnette Clanton, Kim Barnhill (John) and Mark Eichin (Donna), and a daughter-in-law Mary.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren Jessica, Janelle, Jennifer, Luke, Megan, Kyle, Joshua, Corey, Mara, Cara, and Mallory along with eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Kurt. Al was very family-oriented. He enjoyed planning camping and boating excursions including navigating the locks through central Florida.

In retirement, he admitted some of his happiest times were spent in his secluded home in Western North Carolina during the summer. As a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church he served as elder and usher. His summer church, Eternal Shepherd Lutheran Church, was also very dear to his heart.

A memorial service is scheduled for November 11 at 12 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2073 Garden St.Titusville, FL 32796.

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