STRATFORD – Sergei Sikorsky, the son of aviation pioneer and Sikorsky Aircraft founder Igor Sikorsky, has died, according to Sikorsky’s parent company Lockheed Martin. He was 100.
Sergei, who began his career with the company in 1951 in international marketing and sales, spent his life dedicated to the company responsible for the first practical helicopter.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, announced Sergei I. Sikorsky died on Sept. 18. “Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Elena,” the company announced on its website.
“The entire team – past and present – at Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin mourn the passing of a remarkable man, a link to the golden age of aviation who meant so much to the success of our business,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “Sergei will be greatly missed.”
A military veteran, Sergei served his country during World War II, in the United States Coast Guard, assigned to the Helicopter Development Unit.
The company released a video tribute that commemorates the life and times of Sergei, a man who meant so much to aviation history, the Sikorsky business, its employees and the greater Stratford community. The remarkable impact of the Sikorsky family spans generations, touching every current and former employee, engineer and technician.
During his distinguished 41-year career with Sikorsky, Sergei played a significant role in the company’s growth into one of the world’s leading helicopter manufacturers and the expansion of rotary aircraft around the world.
After working in international marketing and sales, Sergei returned to the United States in 1976 at the dawn of the Black Hawk era to become division vice president in Stratford, overseeing the company’s co-production programs. He would later take on marketing and special project roles until retiring in 1992.
Even in retirement, Sergei remained active with the company, serving as a goodwill ambassador at major trade shows and other events where he would sign autographs, speak about his family’s legacy and highlight an immeasurable passion for the helicopter and its promise to save lives around the world.
The aircraft hangar at Sikorsky’s Stratford facility was dedicated as the Sergei I. Sikorsky Flight Center in 2019. At the time he called it his life’s “single greatest honor.”
Sen. Jason Perillo, who represents Stratford, and Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding Sikorsky’s death.
“Sergei Sikorsky dedicated himself to helping lead this internationally respected business which has a reputation second to none,” they said. “To this day, the Sikorsky name is synonymous with excellence and quality. We mourn Sergei’s passing and we extend our condolences to the Sikorsky family, to all who have worked for this innovative aviation company, and to the people of Stratford.”
