Graham Lair Willoughby died peacefully on Sept. 16 after a short illness. He was 77.

Graham was born on June 12, 1942, in Edgartown, to parents Irving and Dorothy Willoughby. He obtained his engineering degree from Boston University, and began working at Grumman Aerospace on Long Island, where he met his future wife Maureen. They were married on Nov. 4, 1972. Shortly thereafter, he began a career at Sikorsky Aircraft that lasted 39 years, designing landing gears on such iconic helicopters as the Blackhawk.

He had a passion for gardening, was an avid collector and lover of 1950s music and loved anything related to American history. He got to see his beloved Red Sox win not just one, but four World Series.

He is survived by his wife Maureen; his three children, Rachel, Becky, and Graham; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 20 in Connecticut.