Edward Barocela

Edward Barocela, age 68, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on May 6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by the love of his family. A resident of West Melbourne, Florida, Edward lived a life defined by intellect, innovation, creativity, and deep personal passions.

Edward was born on September 21, 1957, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the late Eduardo Carlos Barocela and Grace Parks. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable curiosity about the world—especially the skies above—which would ultimately shape his life’s work and legacy.

A brilliant aerospace engineer and self-described rocket scientist, Edward built an impressive and multifaceted career. He contributed his expertise to organizations such as NASA, McDonnell Douglas, and Monsanto, and later founded his own company, Albacore, specializing in advanced drone technologies for military applications. His work reflected not only his technical mastery but also his visionary thinking and commitment to innovation.

Edward’s academic journey reflected his deep intellect and dedication to science and engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) in 1979. He was later accepted into the Ph.D. program in Physics at Washington University in St. Louis in 1980, where he spent a year before pursuing professional opportunities. He began his career at Monsanto in St. Louis, where he worked for four years, before accepting a position with McDonnell Douglas in 1984 to contribute to the Space Program. Continuing his education, Edward went on to earn a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in the mid-1990s.

Beyond his career, he was a man of boundless creativity—designing and producing his own film and becoming a published author.

He had a deep love for science fiction, often immersing himself in the worlds of Star Wars and Star Trek. His fascination with space extended far beyond entertainment; he was captivated by the moon, the planets, and the mysteries of the universe. He was also an avid traveler who embraced the beauty of the world, especially the ocean, where he found joy in scuba diving.

Edward had a passion for guitars and music, and he appreciated both the artistry and technical precision behind them. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures as much as its grand adventures, including pasta, Fiji water, and sugar-free chocolates. He also had a strong interest in computers, engineering, and firearms.

Above all, Edward was a devoted family man—a loving husband, proud grandfather, caring son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Bruni; his stepchildren, Alina and her husband, Giezy, and Erick; his brother, Frank; his nieces, Jayne and her husband, Shawn, and Alison and her husband, Jamy; his cousins, Maxi and Martin; his cherished grandson, Ian; his former wife of 30 years, Susan; and a large and loving Barocela family.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. at Life Event Center. Burial will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens.

Edward will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his passion for discovery, and the love he shared so freely with those around him. His legacy of innovation, curiosity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.