Tuesday our nation lost a great American, a loving, devoted husband, father, son and brother, and a superior naval officer. It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the loss of Captain Tushar "Haaji" Tembe. Tushar passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning in Norfolk, VA. He was preceded in death by his father Ramdas, and survived by his mother Rashmi, sisters Ruta, Sucheta, Amita, brother in law Manoj, his loving wife, Marianne, and two sons Ian and Connor. Tushar, or Haaji as he was known to his closest friends, had a personality that was full of energy and enthusiasm, an unsurpassed passion for life, and an unforgettable sense of humor. Born in Bombay, India, he immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York City. He attended high school in Brooklyn, and he has degrees from Texas Tech University and the Naval War College. During his incredibly successful naval career, he completed sea tours with VFA-132, VFA-83, commanded VFA-87 and USS NASHVILLE, and served as executive officer in USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER. Haaji fulfilled his dream of being a strike fighter pilot and the commanding officer of a nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS HARRY S. TRUMAN. His impressive naval accomplishments are only surpassed by his love and commitment to his family and friends. He was a brave and compassionate man who went above and beyond the call of duty in every aspect of his life. Captain Tushar "Haaji" Tembe will best be remembered by those who knew him as a great leader, superb naval aviator, dedicated husband, caring father to his children, and devoted son and brother. We mourn his loss, but know that he will live on in the lives of the many he touched. Visitation will be at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel in Virginia Beach, VA from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, November 12, 2011 with a service celebrated in The Holy Family Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, VA at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2011. HARRY S. TRUMAN will hold a military memorial service on Tuesday, 15 November 2011 at 1 p.m. onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER in Norfolk Naval Station, VA. A full military funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Captain Tushar Tembe to a scholarship fund for Ian and Connor. Details will be forthcoming.