Gerard Joseph Moorman

GERARD JOSEPH MOORMAN (Age 51) Gerard (Gerry) Joseph Moorman died peacefully on April 21, 2009 at his home in Fairfax Station, Virginia, after a battle with cancer. Gerry was born on May 29, 1957 in Dayton, Ohio. He was the fourth of six children born to Earl and Eileen Moorman. He was the loving husband of Jodi Moorman and devoted father of Kristin, Barbara, Nancy, Gerard Jr. (Buzz), Robert, and Sally. He was the loving brother of Kathleen Moriarty (John), Christine Tanner, Peggy Hoenigman, Tom Moorman (Sharon), Mary Beth Ashcraft (Carl), and a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews. Gerry graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1979. He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston. In 1979, he married Jodi Lynne Gage of Akron, Ohio. Gerry and Jodi moved to Houston, Texas in 1979 where Gerry was employed by Lockheed Martin at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) working on the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. He designed and implemented real-time, pilot in the loop simulations at JSC's Shuttle Engineering Simulator that were used by NASA for mission procedures development and astronaut training dating back to the very first Space Shuttle Mission, STS-1. He also led the design of a state-of-the-art simulator at JSC that was instrumental in the success of numerous Space Shuttle missions as well as the initial construction of the International Space Station. Gerry's leadership and technical prowess earned him several management promotions over the years leading up to Manager over all Space Shuttle and Space Station flight hardware design and development for Lockheed Martin at JSC. One of the major pieces of hardware developed under Gerry's leadership was the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) cart currently flying on-board the International Space Station and used by astronauts to perform various Extra Vehicular Activity space walks. In 2003, Gerry transferred to Virginia as Vice President over a contract on the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater Program. Gerry was highly regarded throughout NASA and Lockheed Martin. Although he was an extremely dedicated and successful professional, Gerry was a very devoted husband and father. It was always "Family First" in his mind. He loved traveling with his wife. He also loved anything to do with the outdoors. He loved attending all the recitals, concerts, campouts, sporting events, and award ceremonies involving his children. While in Houston, Gerry and Jodi hosted an annual children's Christmas party at their home with many friends that brought joy to dozens of wide-eyed children. Following a visit by Santa Claus, Gerry personally entertained the large crowds by playing guitar and leading everyone in singing Christmas Carols. When he was able to find time for personal recreation, Gerry loved to play golf and he was good at it. He was a member of the JSC golf league and played in numerous tournaments around the Houston area. He also played softball for many years at the JSC recreational facility.Gerry was a devout Catholic and acting lector at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Church in Fairfax. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter April Marie and father Earl Joseph Moorman. The family will receive friends at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home at 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22032 on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 5:30 p.m. No flowers please. Memorial contributions in Gerry's name (kid's education fund)may be sent to the Moorman household (no flowers please) or to Sun Trust Bank, 5727 Burke Centre Pkwy, Burke, VA 22015. On Friday May 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. there will be a burial service, and a reception following the service at Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy., Webster, Texas, 77598, (281)332-3111. No flowers please. Thank you.