Rocketry Planet

VERO BEACH, Florida USA — It was with deep sadness that members of the Spaceport Rocketry Association of Palm Bay, Florida announced last month the loss of their club president, Greg Lee Daugherty, who passed away on October 18th after battling problems with his liver.

SLIDESHOW: Gregory Lee Daughterty — 1949-2010

Gregory Lee Daughterty — 1949-2010

"Greg will be greatly missed," said SRA member Ed Seissiger. "His dedication to our club and this hobby is what has made my and many other's monthly trips to the launch so enjoyable."

A lifetime resident of Vero Beach, Daugherty was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam War. In and out of the hospital since the end of the summer of this year, the end effects of the liver damage finally took its toll on his body.

His passion for the hobby was infectious and touched those all around him.

"Greg truly had a great passion for our hobby," Seissiger said. "He was always front and center when it came to paying it forward with event presentations and school functions, trying to get our younger generation involved. He will be greatly missed."

Survivors include his wife, Lisa of Vero Beach; sons, Gregory Jr. of Port St. Lucie, Collin of Largo and Pfc. Eric of Colorado; daughters, Briana of Pinellas Park and Brittany and LaTanya, both of Vero Beach; stepson, Eddie Yaddow of Vero Beach; his mother, Wanda Gunno of Vero Beach; brothers, Stanley Gunno of Seattle, Wash., and Chris Gunno of Sheridan, Alaska; and nine grandchildren.

A brief period of visitation on October 22nd was followed with a memorial service at 1PM at Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Daughterty was laid to rest at Crestlawn Cemetery.

"He has many friends in the rocket community here in Florida," Seissiger added. "He will be greatly missed."

Daughterty was 61 years old.