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Angelo Guastaferro Obituary
Angelo "Gus" Guastaferro, aerospace executive, passed on June 9 at age 87 in Williamsburg. He was born in Hoboken, NJ on June 4, 1932 to Carlo Guastaferro and Rafaela Gioffi Guastaferro. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor; and is survived by three sons: Carl, Mark, and Brian; eight grandchildren: Justin, Christopher, Jennifer, Douglas, Andrew, Kiana, Haley and Kyle; and one sister, Connie Gallombardo.
Gus earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering, an MBA from Florida State University, and Diplomate of the Advanced Management Program from Harvard University. After three years in the Air Force, he joined NASA for a distinguished career in space programs for 22 years, including Deputy Manager on the Viking program at Langley, Director of Planetary Programs in Washington DC, and Deputy Director of Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. He later became a Vice President and Executive Director at Lockheed Missiles & Space in Sunnyvale, CA. Returning to Virginia, he joined nView Corporation, becoming CEO and Chairman of the Board.
In addition to his successful career, Gus believed in giving back to the community and volunteered with many organizations in the Williamsburg area: He served as Board Chairman for the Hampton Roads Technology Council, Executive Partner for the Business School at William & Mary, Board Member of CIAO (Colonial Italian American Organization) and Chairman of their foundation, and Board Member of Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) of Williamsburg. He also volunteered at Riverside Doctor's Hospital, served as an usher at St. Bede Catholic Church, and was a board member of Catholic Student Ministries at St. Bede and the Langley Federal Credit Union.
Visitation is planned from 6-8 pm on Thursday, June 20 at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21 at 2 pm at St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cancer Care Fund at Riverside Health System Foundation, 701 Town Center Drive, Suite 1000, Newport News, VA 23606; or https://www.riversideonline.com/foundation/
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Memories and Condolences
for Angelo Guastaferro
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg.
June 22, 2019
Really enjoyed working with Gus in the EP Program at the Mason School of Business.
Bill Grant
Charlotte, NC
June 22, 2019
I got to know Gus through my husband, John Newcomb. They were friends and colleagues at NASA. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Much love and sympathy, Peggy Newcomb
Martha Henderson
June 21, 2019
My sympathy to the Gustaferro family. He will be greatly missed. The Henderson family.
Sabrina Allen Barnes
June 20, 2019
My condolences to the Gustaferro family. I will always remember what a wonderful friend Gus was to my mother and father, and especially what a source of support he was to my father, John Allen, during his battle with cancer. My father respected and admired Gus tremendously. I will keep you all in my prayers.
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June 20, 2019
Gus had many technical and management achievements. He was critical to the Viking Project success. He always had time for career and friendly advice. He will be greatly missed.
Ryan Lingo
June 19, 2019
If it wasn't for Gus, I would have never found my passion with NASA and space exploration, along with my interest and acceptance into the College of William and Mary. He truly changed my life. Ad Astra.
Joe Gowdey
June 18, 2019
I happened to be the first employee that Gus had when he first came to NASA. We worked together in Dallas and the Western (missile) Test Range in California , and later on the Viking Mars Lander at Langley. Our families were close friends for many years. He was a dear friend and mentor who will be greatly missed.
Richard Ash
June 15, 2019
Gus, you were always an asset to my classes at William and Mary. You expertise and concern for the students assisted in both their maturity and their future lives. We THANK YOU. You will be missed.
RJA, Professor Emeritus.
June 15, 2019
He was the best of us....
Dennis Bushnell
Chief Scientist
NASA Langley Research Center
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Memorial Events
for Angelo Guastaferro
Jun
20
Visitation
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Funeral services provided by:
Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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