Edward Thomas Woyshner, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully at home with his family in Tucson, Arizona, in the early morning hours of September 27, 2025.
Born on the Jersey Shore in 1941, Ed lived a life defined by resilience, intellect, and curiosity. A polio survivor in his youth, he developed a lifelong passion for education, science, and the belief that progress is possible through knowledge and innovation. He earned his undergraduate degree from Monmouth University and went on to complete his master’s degree in physics at the University of Massachusetts.
Ed’s aerospace career was distinguished and impactful. As an aerospace engineer, he contributed to groundbreaking projects such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Strategic Defense Initiative, also known as the "Star Wars" program. Later, as a rocket scientist, he helped launch Titan missiles delivering satellites into space for Lockheed Martin. His work reflected not only technical brilliance but also a deep commitment to advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ed was a man of many passions. He loved cars — especially his Corvettes — and was known for his mechanical curiosity, once taking apart the engine of the family VW Bug just for fun. In his later years, he embraced travel with enthusiasm, exploring with his family places like China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Europe, always seeking new experiences and perspectives.
Ed was also a generous supporter of causes close to his heart, including St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, Monmouth University, Doctors Without Borders, the ACLU, and Planned Parenthood. His values were rooted in compassion, justice, and the belief that “Science equals Solutions,” a quote from the Union of Concerned Scientists that perfectly captured his worldview.
He is survived by his sister Tee; his daughter Caryn and her husband Jonathan; his grandchildren Benjamin, Casey, Carson, Randalyn, and Jordan; his son Jeff and his wife Cindy; his former wife Susan; and cousins, nieces, and nephews too numerous to mention. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the ideals he stood for.
*****
Edward Thomas Woyshner
A brother a father a papa a son
Edward Thomas was loved by everyone
His life was full he did many things
When he gets to heave bells will ring
Traveling the world with you by his side
On all those adventures he felt such pride
His family came first so close to his heart
It’s awful to think that now you’re apart
When I was little he took care of me
Without his attention who knows where I’d be
His Mom was so proud she thought he hung the moon
She’d sing his praises to all in the room
I’m hoping they meet somewhere up above
Among all the stars and shining with love
He’ll be in our hearts with memories to share
They will sustain us and show that we care
The journey was long and filled with zest
He lived his life well and now he’s at rest
tm 9/27/25
