Commemorate

After graduating from American University, Pat had a long and storied career as an Analyst and Manager for the National Security Agency. Pat was passionate about animal rescue, volunteering countless hours for a number of local animal rescue organizations. She also enjoyed many crafts and was an avid baker, earning many awards at the Howard County Fair. Click on her name or photo to learn more.

Long-time NCF member Ross Cory passed away at his Pasadena, Maryland residence on October 30, 2024 at the age of 92. Funeral services were held in early November in Colorado. Click on his name or photo to learn more.

David’s 30 year career at NSA was the perfect job and, when he retired as the Assistant Director for Facilities Security Services in 1997, he talked about his good fortune at finding a life’s work which answered his yearning to see the world while serving to protect his country. He proudly accepted the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, one of the highest honors presented by the Agency, before his retirement. He visited more than 65 countries on four continents and worked to cement broader understanding and cooperation. Please click on his name to learn more about his life and career.

Berny took great pride in the work he did. As a young fellow and after graduating high school, he worked in Bethlehem, PA at a steel mill and was a union steward. He then began working at the National Security Agency, where he was a cryptologist and was part of revolutionizing computer networking. His family is very proud of him for his work and the many awards received, including the Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He was very happy! Click on his name or the memorial candle image to learn more about his life.

The NCF remembers long-standing Foundation member Edward D. Hoy. After graduating with a B.S. in Economics from Villanova University in 1954, Ed went to work for the National Security Agency, first in Arlington, VA, and then at Fort Meade, MD, until he retired in 1987. He also served in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. He was also a Lifetime member of the Phoenix Society. Click on his name or photo to learn more about his life.

The NCF remembers long-standing member, William Patterson. William worked for the NSA and lived in Hawaii and Thailand with his family before returning to Maryland. In his work, Bill developed an innovative program to prepare Thai language teachers and was widely respected in his field for his accomplishments, leadership and mentorship that shaped the program going forward. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Cryptologic Museum and a proud supporter for the rest of his life. Bill retired from the NSA in 1997 after a 42-year career involving the Thai, Lao and Vietnamese languages. He was a longtime member of the Phoenix Society. Points of pride are his work on Asian language computer fonts, co-authoring a 1994 version of the Lao-English Dictionary, and paving the way for the next generation of cryptolinguists to excel. Click on his name to learn more.

Mike Chernesky was employed by the National Security Agency for 36 years, retiring in 1999. He received many awards for outstanding achievements during his career. He was an avid sailor and spent many happy hours about his sailboat Summer Solstice. Mike and his wife, the former Madonna Smith, traveled extensively, especially in retirement. They visited all 50 states, more than 40 other countries, and attended at least one baseball game in every major league city. Click on his name or photo to learn more.

Marty retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves, as 0-5 in 2015. He was employed by the National Security Agency (NSA) and last served as the Chief, Strategic Engagement, the agency’s focal point for coordination with the White House, National Security Council, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, among others. While stationed in the Philippines, Marty experienced the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, and the evacuation of the base in 1991. On 9/11, he was assigned to the Pentagon when one of the aircraft crashed into the building, and in 2021, Marty led the NSA presence in Afghanistan through the US withdrawal. Other assignments included Germany, Djibouti, Honolulu HI, Miami, FL, and of course Ft. Meade. Click on his name or photo for more information.

George served as an Office Chief in the Research and Development Organization at NSA in 1979 with major program responsibility for developing future security technologies. He moved to the National Computer Security Center where on contract the first internet security cryptographic systems were developed. During that assignment for two years, he co-hosted the NSA/NIST (National Institute for Science and Technology) National Security Conference. His final job was as Director of Infosec Integration. Retiring from NSA in 1995, George continued consulting for an additional ten years, primarily with Windemere, LLC. George was a long-time member of the NCF. Click on his name or photo to learn more.

Peggy worked for the National Security Agency from 1968 to 2003 as a computer analyst. That is where she met the love of her life, Lewis Strader, whom she married in 1974. They lived in Severna Park, Greenbelt, and Millersville, Maryland before settling in Annapolis. Peggy was a long-standing member of both the National Cryptologic Foundation and the Phoenix Society. Click on Peggy's name or photo to learn more about her life.

Nancy M. Arteche, 84 passed away on April 15, 2024. Nancy retired from the Agency in 1995 with 36 years of service. She worked as a receptionist for the National Cryptologic Museum after her retirement and volunteered for the National Cryptologic Foundation. She was a former member of the Phoenix Society and National Cryptologic Foundation. Nancy was known as a very kind and caring person, and quite a "character"! Her faith was very important to her. She attended daily mass until a few days before her death. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Theresa and son, Jim, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

Ed Craig was a proud Marylander and enjoyed Maryland and Baltimore history. He was an avid Ravens and Orioles fan and served in the Maryland National Guard. He had a strong religious faith and was devoted to his family and the community. He worked at the Agency and was a long-time member of the Phoenix Society and National Cryptologic Foundation. Please click on his name or photo to learn more.

Bob served our nation at NSA for 30 years as a linguist, analyst, cryptologist, staff assistant and manager. He did two deployments to Vietnam in the 1960's and a four year tour in Germany from 1978 to 1982. Bob was awarded an Agency fellowship that enabled him to earn his master's degree in Intelligence Research. He retired in 1992 as the Deputy Department Head of the National Cryptologic School. Bob was a long-time member of the National Cryptoloigic Foundation. He also worked (and volunteered his time) for the Foundation for many years - assisting with programs and helping out in the office. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Click to learn more about Bob.

Mr. Anania worked at the Agency and retired in 1990 with 40 years of service. His work included frequent temporary travel (Cheltenham, Edzel, various German sites, Philippines, Shemya) and two overseas assignments in Misawa, Japan in the late 70s and Rome, Italy in the late 80s. He was a long time member (since 1998) of the National Cryptologic Foundation, as well as a member of the Phoenix Society. Mr. Anania died just short of his 96th birthday on 20 March 2024.

William Quinn Oscar Shelton Sr. retired from the Agency in 1999 after 36 years of employment. He was a long-time member of the National Cryptologic Foundation (since 1999) and was also a member of the Phoenix Society.

Nancy Pauline Roth passed away on January 29, 2024. Born in Richmond, Virginia to Harry and Sylvia Kamsky Roth, the family moved to Washington, DC to open the family business Roth Theatres. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, she attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, then a women's college. Upon graduation she was recruited to work for the National Security Agency, spending her whole career there until retirement. Nancy had a passion for tennis and traveling the world. She is survived by a sister, Carol, loving cousins and many devoted friends. Special thanks to Julia Bennett and Leonie Taylor, her attentive caregivers.

David Kahn, age 93, of The Bronx, New York passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. David was born in New York, NY. The Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of such a special member of our community. His legacy will live on through the amazing work he did over many decades. We are forever grateful for the many generous donations of rare artifacts and publications he made to the Foundation and Museum. Click on his name or photo to learn more.

Mr. Wilson worked for the National Security Agency for 39 years including tours in Japan and Germany. He was a member of the National Cryptologic Foundation since 1998. Click to learn more about him and his life.

Greg enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1977, working in security and intelligence at multiple units in Europe (Chicksands, UK, Berlin, Germany), in Asia (Osan AB, South Korea,) and at Ft. Meade, MD. His assignments included Ankara, Turkey (US Logistics Group), Ft. Meade, MD (National Security Agency, NATO Support and Latin American Planning), and Scott AFB, IL (DIA Intelligence Officer). After his USAF retirement in 1998, Greg continued crisscrossing the globe as a security consultant with the United States government in various agencies, until fully retiring in 2012, settling in Chehalis. Click on Mr. Lassila's name or photo to learn more.

Earl M. Waesche, 85, a 27-year resident of Annapolis, MD, died on November 8, 2023, in Sandy Spring, MD. Born May 10, 1938, in Washington, D.C. to the late John L. and Ida (Homiller) Waesche, he graduated from Northwestern High School. Earl served his country while in the U.S. Marine Corps. and worked for the NSA as a computer analyst. He was a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church, Corinthian Yacht Club, and the National Boating Federation and enjoyed traveling and boating. In addition to his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn G. Waesche, and a sister, Barbara Coleman. He is survived by a brother, John L. Waesche of Upper Marlboro, MD, and many nieces and nephews.

Philip T. Pease of Dagsboro, Delaware passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 30, 2023. Phil served in the US Army between 1953 and 1956. He then joined the National Security Agency and served as the Agency’s Director of Security from 1981 until his retirement in 1993. During his tenure at NSA he was assigned to Germany with his family. This tour provided the family with many adventures and lifelong fond memories. Please click on his name or photo to learn more about his life and career.

Lynne was an artist, analyst, and adjunct instructor. During one of her assignments, she was in Japan with her husband Ron, where she served as an analyst and as adjunct instructor for the National Cryptologic School. She also pursued her interests in Yuzen: traditional Japanese fabric dyeing; Shodo: Japanese calligraphy; and Sumi-e: Japanese Ink painting. Her Shodo instructor submitted one of her works to a Kanagawa prefecture-wide competition and she received an award at the Ancient Calligraphy Exhibition. Click on her name or photo to learn more about her life and career.

Gerald Eskin passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023 at the age of 92. Gerald worked for the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. for his entire professional career, and then returned to the Boston area in his retirement years. He had been a long-time member of the Phoenix Society and National Cryptologic Foundation.

James Vincent Pasquarelli, Jr., “Jim” or “P-Square,” passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2023. Jim chose to serve his country, first in the Air Force from 1958-1967, then as a U.S. Intelligence officer at CIA and NSA until 1993. He retired at 52 and began teaching computer training. When he and his wife moved to Italy in 2001, the State Department hired him to do computer training at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and consulates in Florence and Naples – truly a highlight of his life and career. In 2004, he returned part-time to NSA where he developed a 2-week curriculum to train new analysts in the art of intelligence analysis. His students, mostly recent college graduates, christened the program “P-Square University” and proudly displayed the certificates he created for them. Learn much more about Jim via his obituary by clicking on his name or photo.

NCF member Michael "Bernie" Tompkins was a 28-year veteran of the USAF passed away in October 2023 at the age of 65. Please click on his name or photo to learn more.

Dr. Robert J. Hermann (Ph.D. Iowa State University), died October 5, 2023. From 1959 to 1982, Dr. Hermann served the US Government as: National Security Agency (NSA) Deputy Director for Research and Engineering; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Communications, Command, Control, and Intelligence (C3I); Assistant Secretary of the Air Force; and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office. He is an NSA Hall of Honor Inductee and has been called "one of the architects of America's modern world-wide technical intelligence networks." Please click on his name or photo to read his full obituary.

Chris Nolan Napjus, loving family man, patriot, longtime government servant, and dedicated Orioles fan, died on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 of natural causes; he was 82. Chris served in the U.S. Army and later consulted on U.S. Navy contracts. While living in Annapolis, Chris worked at the National Security Agency as a computer scientist, then as a consultant with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), and later, Dell Computer Corporation. Click to learn more via his obituary

Gary Grantham's passing on Saturday, September 9, 2023 has been publicly announced by Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, Pa in Clarksville, MD. An NSA retiree, Gary was 82 years old. His obituary is forthcoming.

According to the funeral home, the following services have been scheduled: Memorial Gathering, on September 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., ending at 4:00 p.m., at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P. A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Rt 108, Clarksville, MARYLAND. Memorial Gathering, on September 29, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., ending at 8:00 p.m., at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, 12540 Clarksville Pike, Rt 108, Clarksville, MARYLAND.

John Michael Kelly passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on September 8, 2023 at his home in Crofton, Maryland. John was a senior executive at the National Security Agency, where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1996. Click to learn more.

Bruce's expertise in computer science led him to the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland, where he contributed his talents from 1970 to 1998, including a significant liaison role with the British government in Cheltenham, England, from 1980 to 1983. Bruce was not only a skilled professional but also an engaged community member. During his retirement, his years in New London, NH, from 2008 onwards, were marked by his active involvement as a neighborhood volunteer, particularly in matters related to the water system and the Granite State Rural Water Association. His commitment extended nationally as he represented New Hampshire in the National Rural Water Association. Click on his name or photo to learn more via his obituary.

Mr. Randall Whipkey died at age 77 on August 17, 2023 at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Randall worked as a cryptanalyst for the Defense Department. He enjoyed making puzzles and had a website called allstarpuzzles.com. According to a close friend & colleague, Randall was the recipient of the prized Gold Bug Award and a variety of other awards. Click on his name or photo to learn more.

Robert Hull Sturgess, born on June 7, 1939, in Danbury, CT, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2023, in Glenelg, MD. Robert's legacy is defined by his distinguished 40-year career with the Department of Defense, where he exhibited unwavering commitment and earned accolades including the Meritorious Civilian Award and the Crypto Logic Service Award. Beyond his professional achievements, Robert had a deep love for golf, woodworking, exploring the world through travel, and enjoying his home in Myrtle Beach. He cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol Sturgess, who stood by his side through life's journey. Click to read his full obituary via Haight Funeral Home.

Rosalie Elaine L'Ecuyer died on July 3, 2022. She was 88 years old. Rosalie lived 25 years in the D.C. area, residing for most years in Arlington, Virginia, while working for the Department of Defense at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. She arrived in Alaska in August 1980 and spent eight years as a full-time volunteer for the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks, serving in Bethel, Mountain Village and St Mary's. She moved to Fairbanks in 1988, where she was employed by Denakkanaaga for nine years. She also taught history and English through the University of Alaska system at Fort Wainwright and at Eielson Air Force Base and instructed four correspondence courses for the Center for Distance Education. Click on her name or photo to view her full obituary on Legacy.com

Ronald E Dencker, age 83, of Columbia, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Ronald served his country for three years in the U.S. Army, followed by a 27-year career at the National Security Agency as an electronic engineer. No obituary is available.

Stephanie (Reed) Lewis, 79, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2023 in Towson, Maryland. Stephanie was the beloved wife of the NCF's former BoD Vice President Orville Lewis. The two were married for 58 years. Stephanie worked for the Baltimore County Mental Health Department as a Day Treatment Coordinator. She also did volunteer work providing relief to caregivers. Stephanie cherished family, and loved traveling, music, reading, and more. Click to read her full obituary via the Ruck Towson Funeral Home website.

In 1963, Rich began work for the National Security Agency as a mathematician. His combination of technical and management skills led him to the top echelons of the NSA. By all accounts, he was an extraordinary leader and was awarded the National Security Agency’s Exceptional Civilian Service Award. After 30 years of service, he retired from the Agency to work for Raytheon, a defense contractor. Five years later, he returned to NSA for a few more years before going to work for Federal Data Systems, a position he held until he passed. Click on his name or photo to learn more about his life.

John served in the United States Air Force for 10 years. He earned two masters degrees: a MS in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and an MBA from Loyola University.  John had an extensive career at the National Security Agency, retired in  2002, and became a member of the NSA’s Phoenix Society. John spent a few years as a defense contractor before retiring completely. Please click on his name or photo to read his full obituary via DignityMemorial.com

Ed proudly served his country in the US Army and Army reserves where he retired after 20 years. He worked for several years at Kaminsky House in Georgetown as a docent. He was a professor who taught business at John Hopkins Business School as well as Henley Putnam University in intelligence and security classes. He worked for 30 years for the Department of Defense. Ed traveled to over 19 countries during his time with the government. Ed was a long-time member of the Foundation. Click on his name or photo to learn more about him.