Henry Michael Ogrodzinski

Henry Michael Ogrodzinski (Henry O) passed away early Thursday morning, January 23 after a two year battle with cancer at the age of 65. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years Ellen Barrett (Washington, DC), his brother Zenith (wife Dawn) of Apollo Beach, Florida, his sister Gloria Jenders (husband Dennis) of Oak Creek, Wisconsin and his aunt Aurelia Banaszek of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has 6 nieces (Nicole Kramer, Tiffany Ogrodzinski, Katherine Dunbeck, Elizabeth Chatel, Michaela Chatel, Moira Nolan) and 3 nephews (Dennis Jenders, John Nolan, Martin Nolan).

A longtime and dedicated aviation advocate and industry professional, Henry was currently serving as President and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), where for 18 years he represented the state government aviation agencies, serving the public interest, in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Prior to NASAO, Henry had served in various communications and executive capacities in the aviation industry including the Experimental Aircraft Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Gulfstream Aerospace, the Dayton Air Show and the Delco Electronics Division of GM.

Henry was a veteran of the US Army and an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He was a member of many aviation organizations and the recipient of numerous military and civilian awards. He served on a number of government and industry panels, such as the US Aviation Security Advisory Committee Working Group on General Aviation (Co-Chairman), the Board of Nominations of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, a member of the Collier and Brewer trophy Selection Committees, a member of the National Aeronautic Association’s Board of Directors and the 2004 President of the Aero Club of Washington. He had also served on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Aviation Across America since its inception in 2007. In 2012, he received NAA’s Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award.

Henry was a mentor, friend and industry expert to so many in the aviation field. Henry’s love of life was apparent in everything he did. In addition to all things aviation, his passion for history, art, reading and storytelling is legendary. He and his wife, Ellen, traveled extensively enjoying scuba diving, bicycling, boating and spending time with family. He will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to www.firstbook.org