Private Friday service planned for Neil Armstrong

CINCINNATI - The funeral service for former astronaut Neil Armstrong is scheduled for Friday and the family is keeping the affair private.

Armstrong, 82, died Saturday of complications following heart bypass surgery.

The Indian Hill resident was commander of Apollo 11 and was the first man to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969.   He lived in the Cincinnati area for years and led a quiet life out of the public spotlight as much as possible.

His family is continuing that privacy with the service.  A public national memorial service may be held at another time.

The Associated Press is reporting that Ohio Sen. Rob Portman of Terrace Park will be a speaker at the Friday service. He currently is in Tampa for the Republican National Convention.

The Armstrong family released the following statement Monday, regarding memorials and donations.

T o everyone who has so graciously remembered Neil Armstrong:

The outpouring of condolences and kind wishes from around the world overwhelms us and we appreciate it more than words can express.

Many have asked if a memorial has been designated. If anyone wishes to make a memorial in his name, we suggest, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to one of these worthy organizations:

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Neil Armstrong New Frontiers Initiative
PO Box 5202
Cincinnati, OH 45201-5202 www.cincinnatichildrens.org

Telluride Foundation
Neil Armstrong Scholarship Fund
620 E. Colorado, Suite 106
PO Box 4222
Telluride, CO 81435 https://www.telluridefoundation.org/index.php?page=donate-here

Thank you.

The Family of Neil Armstrong
August 27, 2012