Virgilio "Jiggs" Sturiale

Virgilio ""Jiggs"" Sturiale, 99, died in peace on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Trinity Glen nursing home, following a long illness. Jiggs was born May 23, 1916 in New York, NY, to the late Innocenzo and Carmela Torrisi Sturiale. Jiggs spent most of his life in Bethpage, Long Island. In 2007 he and his wife Madeline `moved to Winston-Salem to be near family. As a youth at the dawn of aviation, Jiggs was fascinated with airplane flight. During training in drafting school he designed model airplanes, some of whose plans are still used by hobbyists. In 1939, he joined Grumman Aircraft Corp. and eventually rose to the title of aeronautical engineer. Jiggs' expertise in landing gear led to his designs of tail hooks which have become an integral feature of U.S. Navy planes. Another highlight of Jiggs' tenure was his key role in the design and development of the lunar module (LEM) landing gear for the Apollo Project, first deployed in the 1969 mission to the moon and in subsequent lunar missions. Jiggs is survived by a daughter, Jeanne (Michael Rothkopf), a son, James (Diana) and three granddaughters. Jiggs' life will be celebrated in a private ceremony later this week. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Trinity Glen, Trinity Elms and Hospice & Palliative Care for their exceptional care and support. Memorial gifts may be made to those organizations. Online condolences may be made at www.Hayworth-miller.com. (Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel)