Avinoam Dafni

Avinoam (Ave) Dafni Born in Baranowicz, Poland on January 25, 1928. Died on August 8, 2008, a resident of Littleton, Co. Ave Dafni was born in Baranowicz, Poland on January 25th, 1928. He passed away of natural causes on August 8th, 2008. Ave is survived by his devoted wife Nancy; daughter Lorraine Bright; son Michael Dafni & wife Kris; son Brian Dafni & wife Sue; sister Chaya Klinger. Also survived by ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Karpel and Luba Dereczynski, and Father and Mother-in-law Arthur and Elaine Bell. As a youth, Ave was an avid violinist and served as a military policeman with the British Mounted Police. He immigrated to the United States in October of 1947. He attended Colorado University, where he earned a BA in Chemistry, a BS in Pharmacy, and a Masters of Science degree in Pharmacy. While in college, he met and married Nancy. Ave and Nancy were married for 55 years. Ave taught Pharmacy at the North Dakota School of Pharmacy. He and his family then returned to Lakewood, Co. where he briefly owned and operated his own Drug Store. He then joined the Martin Company (later Martin Marietta) as a chemist. Ave spent 34 years with Martin Marietta in various management positions in several locations around the country. He was involved in many different programs throughout his career, including the Titan, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle program. He also served in many capacities on programs at White Sands Missile Range and Sunnyvale, Ca. until the time he retired. After retirement, Ave volunteered to teach Computer classes at the local senior community center in Littleton. He developed training programs that have benefited a countless number of people, and those programs continue to help many people today. Ave loved the ocean, and was a certified diver. He also liked being outdoors and enjoyed his wonderful backyard. He will be missed. There will be a Celebration of Life, Friday, 8-15-08, at 3:00 PM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood 80227. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Alzheimer's Association, 455 Sherman St., #500, Denver 80203 or Julia Temple Cares, 3401 S. Lafayette St., Englewood 80113.