Obituary of Bernard Quail

Bernard (Bernie) W. Quail, Sr. passed away on April 19, 2016 survived by loving wife Marilyn; daughter Debra (and husband Mark); two sons Bernard Jr. (and wife Joanie) and John (and wife Lynn); and six grandchildren (Krystine, Kyle, Lori, Jamie, Matthew, and Michelle). Bernie was born July 19, 1925 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, served in the Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds and attended both the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics (one of the first specialized aeronautical engineering colleges), the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, and Fairleigh Dickinson University – often working during the day and attending night school for 10 years. It was in Elizabeth that he met Marilyn, the love of his life, and began a wonderful life together than spanned over six decades. Bernie worked for Valcor Engineering for 55 years, retiring in January of this year. He helped Valcor grow into an international corporation specializing in valves for the aerospace, military and nuclear industries. He held three patents for high-pressure seals and pneumatic valves, was a respected member of the Society of Aircraft Engineers, and worked his way up from Applications Engineer to Senior Vice President of Sales and Engineering, to, in his later years, also serving as a consultant to Valcor's Board of Directors. Bernie interfaced with aerospace manufacturers and was known for his ability to create technical solutions in innovative ways. He played a key role in the design of dozens of unique valves and systems that supported missions and programs that led us into Space, including: • The Little Joe Mission - the first rocket designed to support a manned spacecraft • The Apollo Missions - including a key valve for six Lunar Modules which helped man successfully land on the Moon • The Delta IV and ATLAS launch vehicle programs - rocketsdesigned to launch commercial satellites Many of these vehicles pioneered the space program have been recognized in the National Air and Space Museum. Bernie also led Valcor teams as they supported the United States Military's need for specialized aircraft, such as: the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the F-18 Hornet; as well as applications for nuclear energy, scientific, and industrial uses. Most recently, Bernie was instrumental in securing work for the Boeing QF16 program - former F-16 fighters to be fitted with equipment for remote-controlled flight; and the Sikorsky King Stallion - the largest and heaviest helicopter in the military, developed for the United States Marine Corps. In addition to his storied work career, Bernie enjoyed dinner and dancing with his wife Marilyn; golf and tennis; the Yankees and the Jets; wonderful vacations in Cape May with his entire family; and playing the piano or listening to music – all of which he passed on to his family. He also valued education, and was proud that his three children graduated from college and his six grandchildren have pursued college educations. He leaves behind him a great legacy of hard work and love of family. Visitation will occur from 4-7 pm Friday, April 22, 2016 at the Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. There will be a Graveside Service 11am Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 145 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).