Arthur Jacob Mumaw, Jr

Arthur Jacob Mumaw, Jr., 82, of Livonia, MI, concluded his earthly journey on December 7th, 2024, – Pearl Harbor Day – a fitting end for a man whose life was marked by a passion for aviation and a dedication to engineering excellence. Born in Hazelton, PA on December 25th, 1941, to Arthur Jacob and Thelma Mumaw, Art’s life was a testament to his ingenuity, unwavering spirit, and deep love for family and friends.

He graduated from Hazelton High School and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University, followed by a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Syracuse University. His early experiences working for Tower TV and Radio in Hazleton, starting as a teenager, instilled in him a lifelong love of repair and a deep understanding of electronics – skills that served him well throughout his career.

Art's professional life was as impressive as his personal passions. He began his career at RCA as a reliability engineer, where he met his beloved wife, Rita Stasik, whom he married on April 4th, 1964, enjoying 60 years of marriage. His 6'4" stature, even towering over the RCA workstations, was a fitting metaphor for his ambitious nature. His career took him to IBM in Endicott, NY, and later to Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI, where he emphasized the crucial, yet often overlooked, distinction between reliability and quality. After retiring from Ford, Art fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining Lockheed Martin, contributing to the design of the Orion Moon project space capsule – a project that now incorporates "Art's Window" as a testament to his contributions.

Though colorblindness prevented him from joining the Air Force, Art's love of aviation remained a constant throughout his life. He attended countless airshows, even sleeping under the wing of a plane at Oshkosh, and finally realized his dream of flight by purchasing and modifying his own Piper Cherokee 140. He spent countless hours at the Tri-Cities Airport in Endicott, NY with his friends, sharing his passion for flight.

Beyond aviation, Art was a dedicated life member of the HAM radio community (W2EQX), immensely proud of the antenna system adorning his basement ceiling. His commitment to communication extended to serving on the emergency contact team in the 1970s, providing crucial support during disasters. He often remarked that HAM radio was more reliable and secure than the internet will ever be.

Art felt everyone he met knew something he didn’t and was always wanted to learn more. His pastoral ministries degree from Sacred Heart Seminary provided a deeper sense of service.

It has been said when a man dies a library burns. In Art’s case, the light he created will never fade away. 

Art is survived by his loving wife, Rita; his daughter, Lizz Smith (Tim); his son, Arthur William "Bill" Mumaw (Susan); his grandsons, Billy, and Jake.

A funeral mass will be held in his honor at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, 29015 Jamison St., Livonia, MI 48154, on Thursday January 16 at 11am or join via livestream Funeral Mass Livestream at www.youtube.com/@st.genevieve-st.mauricepar4279/streams. (copy and paste link to your browser).  Doors will be open at 10:30 for friends and family. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Art's memory at Angela Hospice (link located below) or Penn State University scholarship at https://raise.psu.edu/ArthurMumawMemorial (copy and paste link to your browser)