Edward "Ed" Piernik, 86, of Owings passed away June 3, 2015 in Callaway, MD. He was born September 5, 1928 in Pittsburg, PA, where he was raised and attended Catholic schools.

He enlisted in the US Navy in November 1946, and during his service lived throughout the United States. He married Gladys Norris on May 2, 1953. Upon his discharge in September 1966, Ed and his family moved to Owings. He worked for the Department of Defense Naval Research Lab at Randle Cliffs in Chesapeake Beach as an electronic and radar engineer and as a technician instructor on the Link Aircraft Trainer.

He was later employed as a defense contractor. At the request of the Navy, Ed developed and is credited for the patent on an automatic underwater gate switch, which is designed to notify via satellite when a sailor falls overboard. He was also the technician on Head's Up displays on fighter jets, now common on commercial aircraft and automobiles.

Ed was a member of the Fleet Reserve, St. Anthony's Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed working on cars, landscaping and exercise and fitness.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys and daughter Karen "Casey" Anderson. Ed is survived by daughters Linda M. Piernik of Chesapeake Beach, Catherine A. "Cathy" Bowen of Colonial Beach, VA, Marylou P. Barkman and husband Jimmy of Mechanicsville, and Patricia L. "Patty" Piernik of Owings. Also surviving are a sister Bernadette Fowler, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.