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Dr. Michael Lloyd Heil, 72, of Hinckley, Ohio, passed away on February 9, 2026. A distinguished Air Force officer, aerospace engineer, and respected community leader, Mike lived a life defined by service, leadership, faith, and devotion to his family. Born on June 1, 1953, in Wiesbaden, Germany, Mike was the son of the late Charles Francis and Helen Dorothy (Rogan) Heil. He dedicated his life to learning and service, earning his undergraduate degree in Engineering Sciences from the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 1975. He went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Flight Structures from Columbia University as a Guggenheim Fellow and later earned a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Mike served his country with distinction for 30 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2005 at the rank of Colonel. During his distinguished career, he served as Commander of Arnold Engineering and Commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology. Following his retirement from active duty, Mike continued his service to the aerospace field as President and CEO of the Ohio Aerospace Institute from 2007 to 2016. In 2010, he was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the aerospace profession. He remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of STEM education and generously volunteered his time and talents to numerous programs and organizations. While his professional accomplishments were extraordinary, Mike’s greatest pride and joy were found in his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Donna Jane (Gorman) Heil, and a loving and dedicated father to his son, Ryan. Mike’s steady guidance, warmth, and unwavering support were the foundation of his family’s life. Mike will be deeply missed by his wife, Donna; his son, Ryan; extended family; friends; and colleagues across the nation who were inspired by his example of service and excellence. The family will welcome guests from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Waite Funeral Home, 3300 Center Road, Brunswick, Ohio. Interment will take place at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery. Please share condolences with the family on Mike’s tribute page HERE.
Waite Funeral Home | February 2026 |
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My first roommate for BCT and 2nd semester in 5th Sqdn. We had a long discussion at the reunion. – Stan Jones Your intellect and infectious enthusiasm for life will be sorely missed Mike–we lost you much too soon. '75-best alive!–another Seventh Son. – William Caskey Great man and a good friend. – Robert Hickcox He was my roommate doolie year and he was a great AF officer but a better friend. RIP my friend and see you on the other side!! – Jim Dill One of the best! Great classmate. Thankful to call him a 75er. – Kurt Bock Very sad. A power in the Air Force academic and research community. – Ben Bosma One of the best! RIP, Classmate. – David Wallace So sorry to hear this. What an infectious smile he always had. RIP. 75 Best Alive. – Richard Alan Finke Wonderful Classmate, great guy, sharp intellect, very intelligent, and saw the humorous side of things. Just saw him at the 50th Reunion! So sad. – Bill Murray |
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