Ernest Albert Veale, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed away on November 16, 2012 in peace surrounded by his family. A native of Easton, PA, he was a WWII veteran serving as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. army in the European Theater and fought in the battles of Normandy, France, Black Forest, Rhine Crossing, and the Bulge.
Veale made his career in aeronautics beginning at Reaction Motors, a division of Thiokol, in Denville, NJ which developed rocket engines for the X-15. He later worked at Pratt & Whitney in Palm Beach, FL; Avco Lycoming in Charleston, SC; Bell Aerospace in New Orleans, LA; and Pier Aircraft in Lakeland and Vero Beach, FL, all manufacturers of turbofan jet engines and pressurized light aircraft.
Ernie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Alice Elizabeth Daly Veale. Together, they raised 7 children, Ernest, John, Nancy, Lori, David, Patrick, and Paul. Grandchildren include Eric, Becky, Adam, Alex, Cara, Cameron, Suzanne, Mackenzie and great grandchild, Trent.
Service with military honor guard will be held at the National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 11:30 am.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com (904) 288-0025.