Michael Jacobs (May 6, 1943 — January 13, 2025)
The NCF remembers long-time Foundation supporter & member Mike Jacobs who left us on 13 January 2025. Obituary to follow.
Michael Joseph Jacobs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many passed away peacefully on Monday January 13, 2025.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents John and Connie Jacobs and his brother Tobias Jacobs. He will be missed dearly by his loving wife, Ethel; his five children, Thad (Rhonda), Terry (Ginny), Mike (Mary), Megan (Mark), Matt (Carrie); his seven grandchildren, Kaylee, Rylie, Rowan, Rhyse, Harper, Marley, and Cillian; his brother Jack and wife, Joanne; along with several nieces, nephews, and countless other family and friends.
Michael was born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA with his parents, John and Connie and two brothers, Jack and Tobias. He graduated from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He served in the Army National Guard and was assigned to defend our nation’s capital. He spent most of his professional career working for the United States Government for 38 years with the National Security Agency and for close to 20 years as a local elected Councilman and 4 years as Mayor of College Park, MD. It was at NSA where he met the love of his life Ethel, they celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage raising their 5 children: Thad, Terry, Mike, Megan, and Matt. In his spare time, he was active in his Church, Holy Redeemer of College Park, The Boy Scouts and other community organizations. In retirement, Michael enjoyed spending soaking up the sun on his boat and having picnics with Ethel watching the beautiful sunsets. He loved boat rides with family and friends and loved fishing. He also spent time as an active member of the Sons of Italy, and traveling the world as well as visiting many of the National Parks in the US and visiting their friends and family. He also continued to do some consulting work for several companies, sat on several Boards of Directors, and was the Co-Founder of the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame which he was inducted into on November 16, 2023.
Visitation & Memorial Mass will be held on March 8, 2025, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 4902 Berwyn Road College Park, MD 20740
Visitation 10am
Memorial Mass 11am
Luncheon to follow service.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org in his name and honor.
Memories from Friends & Colleagues
Mike and I never overlapped anywhere during our careers. We did cross paths during our working years, but only as a "hello, how are you" greeting. Mike was with the Foundation when I joined the EXCOMM in 2001. Mike was the best of the best! During meetings he would observe, watch, and listen to the disparate comments, disagreements, and in-fighting among and between Board and/or EXCOMM members. It was always passionate, good natured, and well-intended, but often not very good at problem solving or coming to a decision.
When all the bickering was over, Mike would incitefully and decisively identify what needed to be done, when, how so, and by who. And everyone would just sit silently, agree, scratch their heads, and wonder, "why didn't I think of that!" Mike and I had occasional lunches during the time we overlapped on the Foundation. I always appreciated his intelligence, wit, and honesty, and his genuine belief and care for the work of the Foundation and it's important legacy. People like Mike come along once in a generation. I glad we were in the same generation... Dave D'Auria
