Elena (Truncale) Pierro, lovingly known to many as “E.T.” and to her grandchildren as “Mima,” passed away on March 2, 2026, in Vista, California, just weeks before her 81st birthday.

She was born on April 6, 1945, in San Rafael, Marin County, California, to Joseph Truncale and Helen Elena (Marsala) Truncale, whose family roots trace back to Sicily. She spent much of her childhood growing up in New Jersey in a lively Italian household as the oldest of five siblings. Elena was followed by her sisters Vita “Tina” Morelli, Gaytana “Gaye” Hallett, Dolores “Dee” Comerford, and her younger brother Joseph “Joe” Truncale.

In 1964 she married Gerd Pierro, and together they welcomed two daughters, Debbie and Jeannie. After their divorce in 1970, Elena moved to California in 1975, where she would spend most of her adult life. She later had a son, Michael, with Edward White.

Elena built a long and accomplished career in aerospace manufacturing and engineering, working with companies including Rohr Industries, Teledyne Ryan Aeronautics, Goodrich Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Bell Helicopter, and Lockheed Martin. Over the years she contributed to a wide range of well-known aircraft and aviation programs, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the Boeing 747 and 757, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Gulfstream business jets, the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye program, the F-14 Tomcat, the F/A-18 Hornet, the B-2 Spirit, the AH-64 Apache helicopter, and the P-3 Orion. Her work took her across the country—from Washington and Texas to South Carolina and beyond—and she was known among colleagues as a capable problem-solver and dedicated worker who approached challenges with determination.

Elena was known for her outgoing personality and natural curiosity about people. Conversation came easily to her, and she enjoyed asking questions, listening to others’ stories, and learning about their lives. Friends and colleagues often remembered her as lively, warm, and fun to be around.

Her social personality also made her well suited for one of the side jobs she enjoyed most—dealing blackjack at casino-themed events throughout Southern California. While she enjoyed the work, what she appreciated most was the opportunity to meet new people and talk with guests at her table. After a long night dealing cards, she especially looked forward to the catered food that followed.

Family and shared experiences were central to Elena’s life. For many years she shared a weekly tradition with her mother, Helen, taking her to play bingo—something the two of them looked forward to as time spent together. She also loved getting out and enjoying local traditions, including visits to the San Diego County Fair, where she joked about “eating her way through the fair,” sampling the foods she waited all year to enjoy, especially the fair’s cinnamon rolls.

Elena enjoyed travel and new experiences as well. One memorable trip took her through Europe—including Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France—an adventure that created lasting memories.

She was also known for her cooking and generosity. Family members recall her preparing meals for those she loved, often happily cooking different dishes to satisfy everyone’s preferences. Her grandchildren remember her as a supportive and enthusiastic presence—someone who showed up to cheer them on, asked endless questions about their lives, and made them feel deeply loved.

Elena is survived by her three children, Debbie Garrow, Jeannie Jagers, and Michael Truncale; and by her six grandchildren: Katie Qualman, Allie Qualman, Kendra Garrow, Roman Garrow, Logan Truncale, and Evan Truncale. She is also survived by her sisters Gaye Hallett and Dolores Comerford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Helen Truncale, and by her siblings Tina Morelli and Joseph Truncale.

In her later years, Elena lived with Dementia and Aphasia, which gradually made communication more difficult. Even through those challenges, the warmth, curiosity, and generosity that defined her life remained constant.

She will be remembered for her lively spirit, her generosity toward others, and the many connections she formed throughout her life.

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