John Walter "Jack" Renard

Captain John "Jack" Walter Renard, U.S. Navy (Ret.), passed away on March 25, 2025, in Charlottesville, VA, at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna; his daughters, Kathryn and Josie; his son, John; his brother, Robert; as well as seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jack dedicated his life to serving his country as a career Navy officer. The son of a Navy family, he attended several schools before graduating from Granby High in Norfolk, VA. After completing a post-graduate year at The Severn School, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. Upon his commissioning as an Ensign in 1955, he began his naval career aboard the USS George K. MacKenzie (DD 836) and USS Harder (SS 568). In November 1957, Jack married Donna MacKenzie before deploying on sea tours aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN 602) and USS Tecumseh (SSBN 628). He then served as Executive Officer on the USS Bonefish (SS 582) and ultimately as Commanding Officer of the USS Barbel (SS 580). Under his leadership, the USS Barbel earned the prestigious Navy Unit Citation for Special Operations in 1969. After notable assignments ashore, Jack returned to sea as Commanding Officer of the USS Raleigh (LPD 1) and USS Saipan (LHA 2) before retiring in February 1985. His 30 years of Naval service earned him numerous honors, including three Legions of Merit, a Navy Unit Citation, two Meritorious Service Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Following his military retirement, Jack continued to serve our nation as the U.S. Naval Academy's Dean of Admissions from 1985 to 1997, receiving the Navy Superior Service Medal upon his retirement. He and Donna later settled in Wintergreen and Charlottesville, VA, where he remained active in civic leadership, serving on various boards and leading community organizations. An avid golfer throughout his life, Jack played as often as possible, bringing both passion and fun to the game-always giving his younger golf partners a serious challenge on the course! The service will be scheduled at a later date at the columbarium of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.