William P Harokopus

William Peter “Bill” Harokopus, age 96, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and pioneering aerospace engineer, Bill lived a life defined by quiet brilliance, unwavering integrity, and deep love for his family.

Bill was born on October 1, 1929, in Canton, Ohio, to Peter and Jeanne Harokopus where he grew up with his beloved sister, Angeline. Bill showed an early aptitude for engineering and a lifelong curiosity about how things worked. He pursued his passion at Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1951. He graduated with honors as a member of the Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu Engineering Honor Societies. While at Purdue, Bill participated in Air Force ROTC and went on to serve as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a cockpit flight engineer from 1951 to 1953.

In 1952, at a family christening, Bill met Xenia Theophelis, the love of his life. After just three dates, he proposed. They married on September 20, 1953, beginning a remarkable partnership that would span more than 72 years. Their bond was one of deep affection and mutual respect, and they remained inseparable throughout their lives. Bill and Xenia considered their three children and six grandchildren to be their greatest blessings of all.

Bill began his professional career at Chrysler Missile Division from 1953 to 1956, where he worked alongside German scientists in Huntsville, Alabama, on the Redstone Missile project - an early cornerstone of America’s space program. In 1956, he joined Bendix Research Laboratories in Southfield, Michigan. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Bendix supported his pursuit of a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Michigan from 1959 to 1960. While completing his graduate studies, Bill continued working part-time at Bendix Systems Division in Ann Arbor before returning full-time to Bendix Research Labs as a Senior Engineer in October 1960.

Bill’s career continued to flourish through his contributions to the U.S. space program. From 1966 to 1967, he was temporarily relocated to Denver, Colorado to work with the Martin Company on the Skylab Satellite project. After returning to Southfield, he was promoted to Department Manager and later led the team that designed and built the antenna used during the Apollo missions. His work enabled the transmission of data from the lunar experiments package during the historic Apollo 11 moon landing and from the lunar rover on later missions. For this extraordinary achievement, Bill received the prestigious Apollo Achievement Award.

In 1972, with Xenia’s full support, Bill transferred to Bendix Communications Division in Towson, Maryland, as Engineering Manager of Radar and Communications, and the family moved to Columbia, Maryland. Though most of their extended family remained in Michigan and Ohio, Bill and Xenia recognized the importance of this opportunity - and it proved to be pivotal. His leadership and vision led to his promotion to Director of Engineering in 1976, and in 1981 he was named President of the division. Following Allied-Signal’s acquisition of Bendix in 1982, the company became Allied-Signal Aerospace Communications, with Bill continuing as President. Under his guidance, the division experienced unprecedented growth, securing major government contracts and creating thousands of jobs across the Baltimore-Washington, D.C., region.

After an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, Bill retired in May 1989. He and Xenia relocated to Clearwater, Florida, where they embraced retirement by traveling the world, visiting their children and grandchildren, and gathering the family for vacations every year.

Though his career required frequent worldwide travel, Bill was happiest at home or on vacation with his family. He was a devoted husband and father to his children: William Jr. (Mary), Robert (Kimberly), and Barbara (Carr), and a proud grandfather to William III, Josie, Alexandra, Steven, Philip, and Christopher.

Despite his many accomplishments, Bill remained deeply humble. He found joy in tending his vegetable garden, reading history books and novels, and fixing anything that could be repaired. He treasured time with his children - cheering at Billy and Bobby’s Little League games and attending Barbara’s piano recitals with pride.

Bill believed that being a father was his most important role. He raised his children to be honest, kind, and to always strive to do what is right. He led by example, was always present, and used life’s lessons to reinforce these values with patience and love.

Bill is also remembered for his intelligence, kindness, gentle wit, and above all, for his steadfast devotion to family over fame or fortune.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Peter and Jeanne Harokopus, and by his cherished sister, Angeline.

May William Peter Harokopus’ memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who knew him. His legacy lives on not only through his contributions to science and technology, but through the love he gave so freely - a life truly well lived, with humility and grace.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00 at the KRAEER - FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Bill's funeral service will commence on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery