Ed B. Massey

Lt. Col. Ed Bernard Massey (USAF Ret.) made a remarkable journey through life before his passing on November 13, 2023. His life was one characterized by resilience, determination, generosity, and love.

Ed was born in Birmingham, Alabama on February 13, 1943 to Essie Mae and Ed Boyd Massey.  He was the first of the four children born to their union.  Sadly, Ed’s mother, Essie, passed away suddenly when Ed was just five years old.  Thankfully, Ed was part of a large extended family, with a father, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who all helped to raise Ed and his siblings in the greater metropolitan area of Birmingham.  It was here, that Ed developed his leadership skills, strong sense of self, and a deep connection to his roots. 

Ed graduated as valedictorian from the Westfield High School Class of 1960, where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime.  After high school, Ed attended Tuskegee University where he joined the US Air Force ROTC and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1966.  In 1961, while at Tuskegee, Ed was inducted into the Lambda Epsilon chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., an organization with which he remained active his entire life.  It was also at Tuskegee that Ed met his beautiful bride, Claudette.  

After college, Ed started his impressive and highly decorated career in aerospace.  Ed served in the US Air Force for 20 years, retiring in 1986 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.  He served from May 1983 to July 1986 as director of Space Test Operations in the US Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, assigned to the Los Angeles Air Force Base.  Before that, he served as deputy director from July 1982 to May 1983 of Systems Engineering and Integration in the Space Defense Systems Air Force Space Division, Los Angeles Air Force Base.  Earlier in his military career, Ed held positions in missile data reduction and analysis as well as in satellite operations at a remote tracking station and in the Air Force Satellite Control Facility, operating the nation’s highest priority space missions.  During his time in the Air Force, Ed and Claudette lived in New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Northern California.  Their last transfer was in 1977 when the family moved to La Palma in Southern California. 

After retiring from the Air Force, Ed began a second career at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where he was the Project Manager for both the NASA portion of the joint NASA/European Space Agency Ulysses Mission and the Voyager Interstellar Mission.  Joining JPL in 1987, he served as Project Controller for Ulysses, Ulysses Science Instruments Manager, Ulysses Operations and Engineering Manager, and Ulysses NASA Project Manager.  In 1998, when management of the Ulysses and Voyager projects were combined, Massey became manager of both projects.

Ed always believed in continuous learning and staying active in professional circles.  He earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1976.  Additionally, he completed the Air Force Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, Program Manager's Course, Defense Systems Management College, and NASA's Management Education Program.  Ed was a member of the American Geophysical Union, the European Geosciences Union, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Air Force Association.

Ed greatly enjoyed fellowship and doing good work with friends and colleagues.  Ed shared a strong bond with the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  He was a founding member of the Alumni of Lambda Epsilon Foundation, and a member of the Zeta Tau graduate chapter in Pasadena, California, where he served as Keeper of Finance.  He also served as the Treasurer of the Ernest E. Just Foundation and the Zeta Tau Foundation.  In addition, Massey was also active in the California Chapter of the Westfield High School Alumni Association, which he served as its Vice-President and Treasurer.  He was also an Eminent Associate of Tuskegee University and a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Tuskegee Alumni Association.  Ed loved the people he met through these schools and organizations, and worked tirelessly for his friends and the communities these groups serve.  

Throughout his lifetime, Ed built a beautiful family that he dearly loved.  At home, he was a loving husband and an amazing father.  His wife Claudette, who he met while they were both attending Tuskegee University, was his lifelong companion until her passing in 2014.  Their love story was one for the ages, full of joy, shared dreams, and unwavering support for each other.  Together, they brought two beautiful daughters into the world, Joy Massey and Kristel Robinson.  Ed always encouraged his girls to do their best and supported them in everything until his last day.  He instilled in both of them a love of music and technology, something that has passed down to his two grandchildren as well, as both of them are now musicians.  Ed and Claudette were also known for their epic 4th of July parties, which featured Ed's famous BBQ ribs and tri-tip.

Ed was a doting grandfather, “Papa," to Keira and Elena Robinson.  His love for them was immense and he took great pleasure in their accomplishments.  He was always there to cheer them on, provide endless encouragement, and teach them valuable life lessons.  He looked forward to seeing and connecting with his granddaughters whenever possible.  During 2020, the family started having weekly virtual visits, and continued them until the time that Ed passed. 

In his 80 years, Ed B. Massey lived a full life filled with love and friendship.  He was a man who truly made his mark in this world, and his story serves as an inspiration to those who knew him and to future generations.  His spirit and his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Ed’s lasting legacy is not just his family, but also his commitment to giving back to the community. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Alumni of Lambda Epsilon Foundation, which supports scholarships for students attending Tuskegee University.  Thank you.

HONORS & AWARDS:

• NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal
• NASA Exceptional Service Medal (2)
• Numerous NASA Group Achievement Awards
• Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
• Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
• National Defense Service Medal
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two oak leaf clusters
• Tuskegee University Alumni Merit Award
• Los Angeles Tuskegee Alumni Association Outstanding Alumni Award
• Omega Man of the Year, Zeta Tau Chapter
• Clarence L. Reeves Award, Westfield High Alumni Association