Menu
Richard Carter
Richard (Dick) H. Carter, an aerospace engineer involved in developing NASA unmanned scientific satellites for over 40 years, died peacefully, Thursday, Aug .14 from the complications of cancer, surrounded by family at his home in Ellicott City. He was 73. The son of William H. and Dorothy (Kefalas) Carter, Dick was born in Boston MA and grew up in Waltham MA. Dick played football and completed a mechanical engineering BS on an ROTC scholarship at Tufts University in 1962. He served 4 years in the US Marine Corps. In 1981, he completed a Masters of Engineering Administration from The George Washington University. He retired from aerospace consulting with SGT in 2012 due to illness. He was a life-long athlete: a daily runner, tennis player, skier, sailor and the Bristol NH "Mooseman" triathlon winner for his age at 70. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, big-brother, friend, neighbor and servant of God who selflessly enhanced the lives of everyone around him. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Brenda E. Carter of Ellicott City MD. He was the loving father of two sons and a daughter: Richard H. Carter Jr. and his wife Beverly Addess of Merion Station, PA, Andrew V. Carter and his wife Jennifer Carter of Carpinteria, CA, and Faye Weaver and her husband Robert Weaver of Ellicott City, MD. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren. He was the oldest brother to William H. Carter, Jr of Waltham, MA, Cynthia A. Moore of Blythe, GA, and Ann Carter of Shrewsbury, MA. In accordance with his generous spirit, Dick donated his body to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. A celebration of Dick's life will be held this Friday, August 22 at the Bethany United Methodist Church, 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042 (410) 465-2919. Visitation begins at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am Service and reception. Donations in Dick's memory can be made to Bethany United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Published by Baltimore Sun on Aug. 20, 2014.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
MAKE A DONATION
MEMORIES & CONDOLENCES
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
22 Entries
I knew Dick for 32 years and worked and played soccer with him for many of those. In fact, were it not for Dick's twisting my arm to play on an indoor soccer team with his sons Drew and Ricky, my wife of 30 years, who was at one of the games, and I would not have met. I am very sad for his passing away. He was a good friend and as everyone knows, he always had a smile which made me and others around him smile. We need more people in the world like him, and I will miss him.
Doug Leviton
September 3, 2014
Dick was a wonderful guy and a diligent engineer. Working with him on the development of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Integrated Science Instrument Module was a great experience. He was always up for fun and adventure no matter where our JWST travels took us. We need more like him to keep us on the straight and narrow. He will be greatly missed.
Brent Bos
August 26, 2014
Having met Dick, through Brenda, well before they were married, I count it a privilege to have known him for so long a time. He was a great friend, a good host, a determined problem solver, and, in my opinion, the best possible husband for Brenda and father to their family.
Roger Austin
August 26, 2014
Working with Dick was always a pleasure. Despite being the most senior of the engineers on the ISIM/JWST program, he was young at heart, always positive, exuberant, and ready for any challenge. The project is better for the work he did. "Can't" was not in his vocabulary, nor was any foul language. A Marine and a Gentleman. I always admired his straight forward, no nonsense, get it done approach. You are missed my friend. I am sure you are working on your next Personnel Record (PR) for the 10K in the sky. Ray.
Ray Lundquist
August 26, 2014
I always will remember Dick as a very pragmatic engineer with great passion in his profession. It was a great pleasure working with him for the JWST NIRSpec project. It makes me so deeply sad realizing that Dick is not with us any more and we never can meet again in this life. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Guenther Kling
August 25, 2014
Dick was a real gentleman and terrific colleague. He was always helpful and generous with his knowledge with younger engineers. He was a great teammate both on and off the soccer field. I am so sorry to hear of his passing...he will be long remembered and truly missed.
Steve Graham
Steve Graham
August 24, 2014
It was a genuine pleasure to work with Dick for many years here at NASA GSFC. He always brought a smile and a positive attitude to each problem he worked. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Rick Sabatino
August 22, 2014
As the lead ME, I really admired Dick and greatly appreciated his engineering talent during his time supporting NASA Goddard's EOS Aura Project. I know many on that project valued his contributions greatly, not just me. My deepest sympathies to his family and close friends, for he leaves behind not just a superb professional legacy, but aches in the hearts of them all because of the fine man he was. Godspeed, Dick.
August 22, 2014
Dear Dick,
I was not one of the closest friends of yours, just one of the many hundreds engineers that shook hands and worked together with you during the SOHO days, and then JWST; we crossed paths and exchanged smiles during those fresh mornings, jogging, before work. Yet your smile entered one's heart to stay. Day after day, you have now reached the end of your great beautiful day, as it is great and beautiful the day of every honest and kind man. Keep smiling dear Dick, now the universe has no longer any secret for you to unveil and I am sure the jogging meadows up there are even greener ...
I was not one of the closest friends of yours, just one of the many hundreds engineers that shook hands and worked together with you during the SOHO days, and then JWST; we crossed paths and exchanged smiles during those fresh mornings, jogging, before work. Yet your smile entered one's heart to stay. Day after day, you have now reached the end of your great beautiful day, as it is great and beautiful the day of every honest and kind man. Keep smiling dear Dick, now the universe has no longer any secret for you to unveil and I am sure the jogging meadows up there are even greener ...
Paolo Strada
August 22, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick's family. We have such fond memories of Dick and Brenda at Bethany UMC. So very sorry that we will be unable to attend the memorial service. David and Carole Scott
Carole & David Scott
August 21, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Dick's passing. As Dick's tennis coach, I admired his energy and love of the sport and life. It was my pleasure to work with Dick on the courts and an honor to call him my friend. Sharon and I will miss him.
David Gates
August 21, 2014
My condolences to the Carter family. Dick was a great part of the JWST team and his contribution will live on in the science that will come from this great telescope!
Julie Van Campen
August 21, 2014
Very sad news. I worked with Dick on different projects at NASA and always a smile on his face, always a pleasant man. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Schappell
Tina Schappell
Tina Schappell
August 21, 2014
Speaking for the MIRI folks at JPL, we send our condolences to Dick's family. He will always be remembered for his exuberant, friendly and constructive interactions with our team.
Regards,
Greg Goodson
Regards,
Greg Goodson
Greg Goodson
August 21, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Carter family.
Daniel Gaudreau
August 21, 2014
I am deeply sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I had the good fortune to have worked with him on several projects at NASA over the years. Dick was always helpful, positive and an engineering tour de force. Condolences, peace and courage to his family.
Chuck Perrygo
August 21, 2014
My condolances as well - Dick was a wonderful mechanical engineer, working with all the teams on the James Webb Space Telescope. He always had a kind word (and analysis!) for the whole Canadian team. He will be sorely missed.
Johanne Heald, Canadian Space Agency
Johanne Heald, Canadian Space Agency
August 21, 2014
We at European Space Agency have worked with Dick since 1990, first on SOHO and since on JWST. His smile, small stories and positive approach has helped to solve many technical problems and has made him a very appreciated international colleague.
Peter Jensen
August 21, 2014
Dick was well respected by the Mechanical Engineering family at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. I admired his integrity in leading younger engineers to doing a great job.
Aprille Ericsson
August 20, 2014
My condolences to the Cater family.
Jim Abell
August 20, 2014
I really enjoyed working with Dick and especially traveling with him during our many JWST adventures. My deepest sympathies for your loss. John Hagopian
August 20, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Dick from 2004 - 2010 and really enjoyed kicking around London with him on one business trip and going to Wimbledon on another. He was an excellent engineer and person. He will certainly be missed.
Phil Driggers
August 20, 2014
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results