John Courtney Fedors, 70, of Bena, died on Nov. 22, 2014. He passed peacefully at home after an extended battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
He was born in New York City, N.Y., to John and Geraldine Rowe Fedors and called York Rest, in Bena, his home.
From his childhood interest in building boats, planes and all things motorized, to his love of sailing and fast cars, grew his love of engineering, aeronautics, and space flight. He graduated from New Kent High School, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University.
He was a career engineer with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) based out of Langley Research Center in Hampton. During his more than 35 years with NASA he held a wide variety of positions including Research Engineer, Project Engineer, Instrument Manager, Deputy Manager of the Space Experiments Office and he retired as Head of the Flight Experiments Development Office in the Space Projects Office. He was recognized with numerous individual and group awards throughout his career, having supported or led more than 15 space flight launch activities.
Until recent years he was active in his church serving as both member and chair of the Finance Committee, and in 2007 he was recognized as Abingdon Church’s Best Clam Chowder Chef. In retirement he enjoyed cruising the York River in his Privateer, Artist Proof, working around the property and walking the pine woods at York Rest. He enjoyed listening to great music and spending time with friends and his family, in particular his granddaughter, Scarlett.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Guthridge Fedors; daughter, Shannon; son, Brent; daughter-in-law, Lendy; his beloved granddaughter, Scarlett; stepson, Arthur Roland, and cousins, Melissa and VC Sutton and their family.
We (the family) would like to express our sincere appreciation to all those who aided in his care, in particular Ms. Ann, Gina, and Angie—all of whom helped to make his last days the best they could be—and most notably our close family friend Tina McManus for her longstanding friendship, support, care, and thoughtfulness.
Funeral services conducted by Sven L. vanBaars, were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, at Abingdon Episcopal Church. Interment followed the service. The family received friends in the Parish House.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the ALS Foundation at www.alsa.org or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.