Member Louis J. Pernicka passed away on August 31, 2013, aged 89.

Lou was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army Air Force, and served in WW II as a member of the 57th Fighter Group, 66th Fighter Squadron.

Later, Lou was instrumental in the design and set-up of the P47 Exhibit at the New England Air Museum, where he was also a active volunteer.

He was a retired vice president at American Can Company in the Industrial Engineering Division. Lou was a Life-time Learner at Norwalk Community College and a long time member of the Darien Men’s Club. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 54 years, Violet M. Pernicka, and a daughter Gayle Ann Gabrielli.

Lou is survived by his son, Robert L. Pernicka and his wife, Barbara of West Hartford; a daughter, Susan J. Morgan of Killingworth; a brother, Edward Pernicka of Daytona Beach, Fla; a son-in-law, Frank Gabrielli of South Windsor; six grandchildren Christopher J Gabrielli and his wife Christine, Lauren and her husband Christopher Lindahl, Heather and her husband Hector Santiago, Charles Morgan Jr. and his wife Emily, Elizabeth Pernicka and Robert Pernicka Jr.; four great-grandchildren, Anna Marie and Jonathan Lindahl, Chase Gabrielli, and Kaedon Santiago.

Lou was interred with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.