Gerald W. Longanecker

On August 17, 2018, Gerald “Jerry” Warner Longanecker passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him. Jerry is survived by his wife and partner of 62 years, Cynthia (Garringer) Longanecker; children Craig, Mark, and Stacey; daughters-in-law Caroline (Cronin) and Amy (Marczynski); son-in-law Stan Underwood; grandchildren Kendyl, Brett, and Kyle; and niece Vicki Pomeroy.

Jerry was born to Walter and Doris (Dobson) Longanecker on January 12, 1933 in College Park, Md. His parents instilled in Jerry and his older siblings, Walter Longanecker, Jr. and Doris Longanecker (Hall), a strong work ethic that became a model to many others.  Jerry was close to his older brother, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps (which later became the U.S. Air Force) as a pilot during WWII and inspired Jerry to join the service. Jerry was always musically inclined, playing the accordion and whistling like a songbird. He was an excellent dancer thanks to his talented sister’s lessons.

Early on, Jerry showed a keen interest and aptitude in all things motorized and mechanical, including maintaining a scooter that he used to travel about his neighborhood and to and from schools (Hyattsville High School and University of Maryland at College Park). He also maintained numerous cars over the years, including several of his kids’ vehicles and a 1962 Corvette Stingray that he always regretted selling. 

Jerry received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, followed immediately by a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Aeronautical Engineering, from the University of Maryland at College Park. While carrying a daunting workload of credit hours in engineering and science course work, he also served in the Air Force ROTC program and was a member of the University of Maryland Gymkana troupe. He was best known for his ability to press into handstands, particularly atop stacked chairs during Gymkana’s chair balancing act. He was the recipient of the prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award that honors college seniors and community members who demonstrate excellence of character and a commitment to serving others.

After receiving his master’s degree, Jerry was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB where he met and married his wife, Cynthia (“Cindy”). Jerry and Cindy moved from Ohio to Maryland, where he began his distinguished NASA career at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). He initially designed payload structures for rockets, eventually became program manager for several satellite projects (TIROS, GOES, IUE, COBE), and ultimately served as GSFC’s director of unmanned space projects during the 1980s.

Jerry was a passionate golfer and loved everything about the game. In 1966, after visiting and playing a new golf course in Crofton, Md., he and Cindy built their dream home in Crofton and joined the Crofton Country Club (CCC); it is believed he was the club’s second member. He shared his passion by teaching golf to his wife and children, serving on the CCC Member’s Board, and assisting with instruction during CCC junior golf camps. He also coached several teams for the Crofton Athletic Council.

In retirement, Jerry’s love for golf was matched only by his love for family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately called him, “Grampi.” He loved to see his kids excel at what they loved, from art and acting, to horse shows and football games. He was their best cheerleader, mentor, storyteller, and hug-giver. Throughout his life, Jerry was fond of dogs and showed much affection for his “granddogs.”

A private interment will occur at the Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville MD.  A Celebration of Life is planned on October 28, 2018 from 3pm to 7pm, at the Crofton Country Club for family, friends and community members to share their fond memories of Jerry. Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to The ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005 (http://www.alsa.org).  Jerry donated to ALS organizations after losing his father to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.