Earl R. Hewett

Earl Hewett, an Airman, Electronic Technician, Biomedical Engineer and most notably loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather of Wayne, Michigan earned his final Wings on January 7, 2023.

Earl was born on December 18, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to Earl H. and Lucille (Stevens) Hewett. He attended St. Leo Roman Catholic School in Detroit.

In early 1952, Earl made a commitment to his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. Earl served as a tail gunner on A-26 Invader aircraft during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge in 1956, Earl returned to Detroit, Michigan. His love and undying patriotism for his country can be expressed by his only regret: Not remaining in the service and retiring from there.

On October 12, 1957, Earl married Angela Colasanti. They remained lifelong companions for over 65 years. The Hewett’s made their family home in Wayne, Michigan where they raised 5 children: Lynn, Brian, Leslie, Byron and Brad.

After returning home from the military, Earl worked for North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska. Earl’s extensive electronic knowledge and expertise then led him to General Electric where he began his career in Biomedical Engineering. In May of 1999, Earl rounded out his 43 year career at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Exhibited in every role throughout his life, Earl rose to the challenge to analyze problems and make continuous improvements in everything he touched.

Earl’s former years in the Air Force fueled his love of Aviation. He became a Charter Member of the Yankee Air Force. You would find him out on the tarmac at air shows across the United States as a part of the Ramp Crew and spent countless hours restoring several aircraft including the Yankee Lady, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. During his retirement, Earl enjoyed traveling with Angela to his annual “Thunderbirds” reunion, the 34th Bombardment Squadron. He also began to hone his extensive culinary skills. In addition to making his infamous vacuum-sealed Pasties, a recipe passed down from his UP family, to perfecting City Chicken, Earl’s soup became such a family favorite, his grandchildren affectionately named it “Grandpa’s Soup.” The special soup was a two-day labor of love with specially ordered ingredients and not complete until it was personally delivered to each doorstep by Earl himself. No Hewett family gathering would ever be complete without Earl’s famous Deviled Eggs. To say Earl loved and adored his family, that they were the most important thing to him, and that he wanted to make others happy through his acts of kindness are all an understatement.

Earl’s laughter and witty sense of humor will be cherished and remembered by every practical joked played on Angela throughout the years.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Lucille and his sister and brother-in-law Nancy (Gerald) Mattox. Earl is survived by his wife, Angela; his children Lynn (Steven) Wasinski, Brian (Sherry) Hewett, Leslie (David) Miller, Byron (Griselda) Hewett, and Brad (Tracy Shuman) Hewett; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandsons.

In honor of Earl’s memory, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity that builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. www.t2t.org