In Memoriam: Sergei Sikorsky 1925-2025

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is saddened to learn of the passing of Sergei I. Sikorsky on Sept. 18 at the age of 100. Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Elena.

A proud military veteran, Sergei served our country during World War II, in the United States Coast Guard, assigned to the Helicopter Development Unit.

“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.”

This video tribute commemorates the amazing life and times of Sergei I. Sikorsky, a remarkable man who meant so much to aviation history, the Sikorsky business, its employees and the greater Stratford, Connecticut, community. The remarkable impact of the Sikorsky family spans generations, touching every current and former employee, engineer and technician, the places we live and work and the countless lives saved by the helicopter.

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.

The son of aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky, the company’s founder and inventor of the first practical helicopter, Sergei began his career with the company in 1951 in international marketing and sales.

He 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. Sergei 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. Sergei called it his life’s “single greatest honor.”

For more information about the Sikorsky legacy, visit the Igor I. Sikorsky Historical Archives: https://sikorskyarchives.com/