Mr. Edward Joseph DeBona, Sr. passed away on March 7, 2025 in Decatur, Georgia. He was born on February 17, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, to the late James DeBona and Evelyn Plouffe DeBona. Ed's life was a testament to his enduring love for God, family and country.

Ed served in the United States Navy and participated in the Korean War. After discharge, he moved to Huntsville, Alabama working for NASA in the design and development of all of the Apollo moon launches. He has multiple patents from the United States Government for his work in putting America on the moon. After completion, he moved on to work for the United States Army as a systems engineer and document specialist working on multiple missile systems. He retired in April of 1993 after more than twenty years of service in the government of the United States of America.

Ed loved the outdoors. His interests included sailing, camping, skiing, hiking, running and physical fitness. He enjoyed visiting and exploring our national and state parks across the United States. He participated in numerous marathons including the Boston Marathon where he finished in the top ten for his age group.

He is survived by his children, Dacia DeBona Smith, Edward Joseph "Jody" DeBona Jr (Joanne) and Edith LuCrece DeBona Hare (Jim) and his grandchildren, Dustin Arnett Barnwell, Joshua Caleb Smith, Jennifer Nicole Morris Bors (Jacob), Jessica Leigh Hare Barnes (Jason) and Nicholas Cory Hare. He has multiple great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Hillcrest Chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Edward Joseph DeBona, Sr., please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.