David Richard Paradise passed away on Sept. 14, 2015, at age 89 in Prescott, Arizona.

David was born on Aug. 3, 1926 in Bakersfield, California. His parents were Perle Darwin Paradise and Della Freeman Paradise.

David graduated from Polytechnic High School in Los Angeles, California in 1944. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served eight months in Guam helping the U.S. marines in their post war activities. In 1952, he graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo with a degree in mechanical engineering. This same year he married Emma Gerling and remained married for 63 years, until his passing peacefully at home.

David worked in the Southern California aerospace industry for Air Research, Rocketdyne, TRW, Rockwell International and Boeing. His contributions to the space program included work on liquid fueled rocket engines to send the first U.S. astronauts into space, the Moon landing craft, space station supply craft and the Mars Lander. He also worked on the Deep Submergence rescue vehicle and several solar projects.

David and Emma came to Prescott for retirement in 1987 and built a home amongst the pines in the Mountain Club. His hobbies included photography, collecting and building model automobiles, and working crossword and other mind stimulating puzzles. David also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Marchbanks and brother, Charles Paradise.

David is survived by his wife, Emma; his brother Herschel Paradise; his son David Paradise and wife Melanie; daughter Mary Paradise and husband Jim Veomett; and daughter Patty Taylor and husband Thomas. He also has six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Information provided by survivors.