In Memoriam: Angel Luis Plaza

Angel Luis Plaza, PhD, FAIHA, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends.

Angel was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and came to Texas to attend Texas A&M University for biomedical engineering. He went on to join NASA's Johnson Space Center, where he built a distinguished 41-year career, earning multiple awards and culminating as senior environmental officer in the Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer. He also served as adjunct faculty at the University of Houston and was later an associate at Sid Richardson College at Rice University. He was a Fellow of AIHA.

Those who knew Angel will remember him not for his titles, but for his heart. He was warm, friendly, and endlessly generous, the kind of person everyone loved and could count on. He never hesitated to help, in ways big and small. His final act of generosity was, fittingly, one of giving, through organ donation.

Angel was an avid gardener, known for his tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, his orchids, and the day lilies he collected in the tradition of his mother. He was a wonderful cook, especially loved for his grilling and smoking, and a passionate history buff drawn to the Civil War and World War II. He loved exploring the country's national parks.

Angel is survived by his wife, Silvia; his sons, Eric and Alessandro; his siblings, Maria, Ileana, and Luis Ramon; his siblings-in-law, Pedro, Angela, Vanna, Fulvia, and Alexei; and his niece and nephews, Maria Carlota, Fabian, Kevin, Fabio, and Peter.

A Catholic mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Houston and another in Puerto Rico at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Texas Heart Institute, the Niekro Aneurysm & AVM Foundation, or the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation.