Captain Karl William Eiben, United States Air Force

November 24, 1956 - December 24, 2022

At his home in Carlsbad, CA on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2022, Karl William Eiben, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, accomplished his earthly mission at the age of 66 after a brave journey with Alzheimer’s disease. A true gentleman and scholar, Karl is remembered most for his kindness and generosity, his humility despite his brilliant intellect, and for being a great conversationalist. His love of family and country defined him. He was a warm-hearted, friendly guy with a witty sense of humor who loved celebrating life and walking with Christ, finding joy in the journey.

Karl grew up in a neighborhood of close families on Leete Street in West Haven, CT. He attended West Haven High School, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1978 from the University of Connecticut where he became an avid fan of the Huskies women’s basketball team. As an ROTC graduate, he joined the United States Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, assigned to El Segundo Air Force Station where he helped pioneer the integration of Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems into military aircraft and ships. Upon completion of reserve training, Karl earned the title of Captain, U.S. Air Force. Karl continued to pursue his avionics passion throughout his 36-year career, working with Norden Systems Inc., Mitre Corporation, ARINC Inc., Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, and Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering Services, mainly as principal engineer and team leader in defense contract support. During his career, Karl also earned an MS degree in Engineering Management and an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven.

Karl is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Arlene Wall Eiben, three devoted sons, Michael of Carlsbad, CA, Patrick (Alexis) of New York City, Kevin of Carlsbad, CA, and daughter-in-law Brittany O’Keefe Eiben. He is also survived by his three sisters, Nancy (Thomas) Dometios of Hamden, CT, Judy (Nabil) Amarah of Danbury, CT, and Janice (Lawrence) Pellegrino of Stratford, CT. Our beloved “Papa” also leaves his legacy to his grandson Matthew “Matty” Eiben and many nieces and nephews with whom he shared his fun-loving spirit and held so dear.

Karl is predeceased by his parents, Dorothy Caroline Long Eiben and Henry Louis Eiben; and by his infant son, Christopher Michael.

Since 2015, as a selfdeclared “science guy,” Karl actively participated in four clinical trials for Alzheimer’s research as well as the UC San Diego Alzheimer’s longitudinal study. In keeping with his kind and generous spirit, Karl chose to donate his brain and eyes to assist in research toward the cure for Alzheimer’s. The family requests that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s San Diego (3635 Ruffin Rd., Unit 300, San Diego, CA 92123, or www.alzsd.org ).

Arrangements are being made with Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, CA. Bicoastal Roman Catholic Masses and Celebrations of Karl’s Life will be held in the Springtime. Details will be shared on the Eternal Hills Mortuary website ( www. eternalhillsmortuary.com ).