Bernard Frank Karmilowicz

Bernard "Bernie" F. Karmilowicz, 89, died peacefully in Laurel Maryland the morning of Tuesday, September 23, 2025, while in the company of his daughter, Karen Karmilowicz Miller.

Bernie was born July 5, 1936 to the late Carl P. Karmilowicz and Wanda A. Karmilowicz in Swoyersville Pennsylvania. He was the brother of the late Carl P. Karmilowicz, Jr., the husband of the late Virginia M. Karmilowicz, and the father of the late Kenneth Karmilowicz.

After graduating from Swoyersville High School, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a technician specializing in aircraft electronic countermeasures on B-52s flying out of Loring AFB in Maine. He continued working as an electronic technician for various commercial aerospace and defense entities following his honorable discharge from the USAF, until beginning an intellectually and professionally rewarding 30 year career with the fledgling NASA.

While at NASA; Bernie was responsible for the integration of sounding rocket and satellite instrumentation, and their corresponding telemetry - traveling to exotic locations globally in support of each launch. He retired from NASA as a Technical Manager for several projects - including COBE, which confirmed the "Big Bang" hypothesis.

Bernie's skyward activities extended beyond rockets and satellites. He earned FAA private and commercial pilot certifications, and instrument and multi-engine ratings. To the dismay of his family; Bernie also enjoyed skydiving with friends.

Spaceships were not the only devices Bernie built, maintained, and repaired. It was a rare instance when a machine around his home was not kept running well by his hands - be it TVs, radios, cars, motorcycles, HVAC equipment, and even his household's clothes washing-drying machines.

Bernie enjoyed watching Washington Commanders' football games with his daughter, Karen, hiking and camping as a Boy Scout leader with his older son, Bernard, and fishing with his younger son, Kenneth.

Bernie is survived by his daughter, Karen, and his son, Bernard Karmilowicz - who remember their father's laser-focused seriousness, his devious smile, and his genuine interest in their lives, and concern for their well-being.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your local PBS station are welcome, since Bernie's favorite was PBS.

All Services Will Be Private.