Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Keith Lee Englander
Keith Lee Englander
Obituary
Guest Book
Keith Englander Obituary
Keith's passion for aviation was inspired by life near the Naval Station at Norfolk, volunteering at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, and seeing the successes of the Gemini and Apollo programs.
In high school, he joined the Junior Engineering and Technical Society (JETS) and was a member of the local Boy Scout Explorer Post focused on space exploration. He graduated from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1975 with a BS in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering and embarked on a long career of civil service.
He first worked for the Navy as a civilian engineer, and after the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986 represented the Navy on a team to advise on a shuttle escape system. In 1988, he was named chief engineer for the Navy's A-6 attack aircraft, involved in all aspects of the airplane, recalling "that was the most fun I've had as an engineer."
He moved to the Department of Defense to work on the National Missile Defense Program in 1992, later becoming systems engineering director for the Brilliant Pebbles space-based weapon program, and eventually being promoted to Technical Director for the National Missile Defense Program. In that capacity, he worked with White House staff, members of Congress, senior Defense officials, and state and local officials. He graduated from the Defense Systems Management College in 1991, and earned a master's degree in public administration from American University in 1996 (Key Executive XX Class). In 2001, he was promoted to Director of System Engineering and Integration at the Missile Defense Agency, and to Director of Engineering in 2005. He led technical staff, managed a $300 million annual budget, and coordinated missile defense efforts with foreign nations. He served as technical spokesperson for the Agency with the Department of Defense, State Department, Congress, and the international community.
He became a member of the Senior Executive Service in 1997, earning numerous awards and recognition during his career, including the Presidential Rank Distinguished Award, the David R. Israel AIAA International Ballistic Missile Defense Achievement Award, and the National Defense Industrial Association Outstanding Leadership Award, among others. He was inducted into the Virginia Polytechnic Institute's Academy of Engineering Excellence in 2016.
He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with the family pets. He especially enjoyed vacations on the beaches of Bermuda and the Outer Banks. He liked building models, viewing the night sky with his telescope, and having a slice of ice box cake with every birthday.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
74 Entries
Douglas Crocker
May 13, 2025
I had the honor of working with Keith as a Senior Systems Engineer supporting the MDA and MDNT. I worked directly for the Boeing Vice-President at the time Mr. Jim Evatt in support of the Boeing Ground Based Defense Segment. This caused me to interact with Keith on a fairly regular basis. He will truly be missed as an Engineers - Engineer. I learned a great deal from him and I have fond memories of our interactions.
Robert Samuel Bell, PhD
April 14, 2025
Keith was always open to suggestions and new ideas. I loved working with him. He had a genuine appreciation for the work at hand. He was a facilitator and not just a listener. I'll miss his sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to his family. He was a wonderful American and one I would follow anywhere!
James Wessels
December 13, 2024
Great lead engineer at National Missile Defense - gave marching orders and then cut you loose to get it done. Really appreciated that. Always steadfast and strong. Thoughts and prayers for the extended Englander family and especially Keith.
Thomas M. Devanney, Sr.
May 17, 2024
My sincere condolences to the entire Englander family. I first met Keith in 1999 when I joined the National Missile Defense Joint Program Office as the deputy program manager. Keith was the NMD JPO technical director. I had the great privilege to work with Keith over the next six years as we developed, tested, built and fielded the initial capability to defend our entire Nation for the first time against international ballistic missile attack. Keith's vision, technical skills and technical management expertise were absolutely key to to this phenomenal achievement which some have compared in terms of both rapidity and scope to the Manhattan Project. Keith was a good guy. A loss to his family, a loss to the Nation.
How you can show support
Burt Upchurch
May 17, 2024
I met Keith in late 1992 when I was first assigned to SDIO. Over the years I worked near by or for him. He was a class act who was a superb engineer, he was always two steps ahead of me. Some of my fondest memories will be the one-on-one conversations I had with him. He excepted excellence and took care of his staff. The missile defense community lost a great engineer and good man.
Nicolle Yoder
May 16, 2024
Mr. Englander was a constant in my 11 years with Missile Defense. I never worked for him, but seemed to always work adjacent. These memories are the "whose who" of missile defense, proof of his amazing service to the nation. But, I remember him most for his jokes and stories. He and Al Hemphill were always good for a story that would have your side hurting. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Vicki Kitchens
May 10, 2024
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Englander´s passing. He was a joy to work with and so highly respected! I worked with him on our inaugural Missile Defense Career Development Program over 15 years ago. My prayers for all of you!
Jake Luvender
May 8, 2024
My condolences to the entire family. Mr. Englander had a significant influence on all engineering work performed across the Missile Defense Agency. His contributions to our National Team requirements development processes were powerful, as was his intent related to driving system level performance. He surely will be missed by all.
Jake Luvender
Dr. Steve W. Zelazny
May 8, 2024
I have worked in Missile Defense for 56 years and had the privilege of supporting Keith Englander for over 25 years (1993 to 2019). Some fond memories and impressions:
Of all my supervisors nobody cared more about his team generating quality products on tight schedules.
-We all shared the Keith experience where he drove us all a little crazy - in the best of ways.
-Keith was genius in his ability to get his team to perform at the highest levels.
-His tasking often felt like he was asking for the impossible much like Apple’s Steve Jobs insisting new cell phones have rounded corners.
-When told a task would be completed tomorrow, he smiled and replied” If I want it tomorrow, I’ll ask for it tomorrow”.
-The Keith workday started at 6AM and ended 6PM or later. Our analysis support team became accustomed to the 6:30 AM Keith greeting call “what do you have to show me?”
-Keith’s recall was incredible. He would review 1000s of pages of material and often said the dreaded words ”remember that chart you built for me 5 years ago?”
-Working for and with Keith was always a challenge but he had a warm and caring side and sense of humor that would occasionally show itself with the Keith smirk and smile that he never lost as we followed him from his Pentagon basement office to Crystal Square to FOB2 to Fort Belvoir.
-It was 2006 and I was talking to Keith on my cell phone as I walked through National Airport on my way to a meeting at FOB2. I dropped dead of a heart attack and luckily defibrillated back to life.
-When I woke up I was in the Fairfax Hospital recovery room and the first person I saw was my good friend Keith Englander.
Keith Englander, he has left his everlasting mark on the nation’s Missile Defense Program, he is the Ultimate Star Wars Warrior.
Joe cosumano
May 8, 2024
My condolences to the whole Englander family, the Nation has lost a servant who was exceptionally gifted.
I was tasked with standing up the NMD JPO in April of 1997, I interviewed Kieth to be the Chief Egineer, he was part of the original 8 people in the program.
The JPO had the task to develop the RD in 3 years to build a single site to defend the US, Alaska and Hawaii against ICBMs. And build it in 3 years if the President gave the order , it was called the 3+3 program, A monumental task !!!
I.didnt know him, but as I searched across the services and his name kept coming up. I sat down and talked. Can you lead and build this team. He said yes, in 5 minutes he was hired. This bright, unassuming and unflappable engineer made it happen!!
He simply had a boyish grin that would calm the room! There is so much I could say about Kieth , but I will close by saying he persona motivated teams - all who knew him knew of his exceptional religious faith.
A giant has fallen, his impact is unmeasured , may he rest in peace !!
God bless his family
Joe cosumano LTG, USA retired !
Stephen Beard
May 7, 2024
My prayers and condolences go out to the Englander family. I am one of the many that understand that I would not be where I am today without Keith. From our first meeting when I was in industry supporting NMD, to working for him as a civilian in MDA, to working alongside him at MDA. I learned how to be an engineer and a leader from him. There was never a time when I needed to challenged, or needed help figuring something out, or just needed to unload, that he didn´t provide exactly what I needed.
Mario
May 7, 2024
I found Keith to be genuine and a kind person. Sending prayers and blessings to Jana and the family.- MM
Susan Pollack
May 7, 2024
To the Englander family, may the support of family and friends lift your spirits in the days ahead as you remember and honor your beloved husband, father and brother. I was fortunate to be part of the Englander era at BMDO and MDA. For ten years, we worked together on lower and upper tier missile programs, the NMD CD and LSI contracts, and NFIRE. Those were the good old days talking through challenging decisions in the basement of the Pentagon and later in our renovated FOB 2 offices. I am forever grateful to Keith for championing my application to ICAF and writing a letter of recommendation. I´ll remember Keith as a dedicated and proud civil servant, impressive engineer, respected leader, ally, and a wonderful colleague......Bravo Zulu. With peace, Susan Pollack
Robert Oxendine
May 7, 2024
Our discussion about lightning and missiles will always be epic. You are truly missed and I am honored I had the chance to work with you.
Peter Franklin
May 7, 2024
Kieth was a superb engineer and a calm leader. He could take the most complex architecture challenges and make them easy to understand and help create the solutions to the most pressing threats. Above all he was a good, kind man who always looked for the best in people
John Hammerer
May 7, 2024
Truly a national treasure. We would not be where we are today in missile defense without his extraordinarily dedicated efforts, impressive technical expertise, and management wisdom. There will never be another like him. Englander family, thanks for sharing him with us.
Fran Mahon
May 7, 2024
Keith was a most talented engineer, an exceptional leader, and a true friend to many. Kind hearted, sincere, and committed are words that come to mind when I think of Keith. He will be missed, but his accomplishments and service to our Nation will not be forgotten.
John Silverstein
May 6, 2024
A good man. He had a great impact on our Nation's defense. Rest well.
Steve Waugh
May 6, 2024
My condolences to the Englander and MDA families
John Fiore
May 6, 2024
Kieth was a good man, fantastic colleague and great engineer. His legacy of technical rigor and excellence will continue as long as MDA serves the needs of our nation. He is missed.
Alicia Harris
May 6, 2024
Test mission. He was always promoting Missile Defense
Punch Moulton
May 6, 2024
As an operator responsible for employing the systems Keith was engineering, I found him to be a superb advocate and devoted to support for the mission. May God bless him and his family.
Chuck Piersall, P.E.
May 6, 2024
I met Keith first while I was still on Active Duty in the Navy. I was able to work with him on several projects to include developing the first interactive missile defense wargame for Congressional members held on Capitol Hill. Keith´s leadership and engineering savvy made the event a success. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Rick Lehner
May 6, 2024
I met Keith in 1992 when we were both at the NMD joint program office in Crystal City. From the start I appreciated his great humor and dedication to the mission. He was so very often my "go to" guy for any technical information that I needed, and this continued long after we left the NMD JPO in the many years we worked together at MDA. His good humor, intelligence, wealth of knowledge and management skills were an inspiration to all. A truly gifted professional and a very, very good friend.
Darrell Herriges
May 6, 2024
We have lost a National Treasure. Appreciate his visionary perspective and willingness to empower people to seek out solutions. I first met Mr. Englander during a briefing in his office in 2004 on the Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program when I was a new contractor in the "Navy Annex." He was always calm under pressure, and willing to stay the course in spite of setbacks. My thoughts and prayers are with Keith and his family. May God give you peace.
Adam Cherrill
May 6, 2024
May his memory be a blessing. Thank you Mr. Englander for all of your contributions to our national security.
Rich Matlock
May 6, 2024
Keith and I were schoolmates at VPI in the mid-70s but we first joined forces at the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization a few years after President Reagan's challenge to protect the U.S. Homeland against the scourge of nuclear annihilation. He was a gifted engineer with a keen analytical sense and he employed it to great effect in setting the technical framework for the initial Missile Defense system. He was a tremendous colleague, friend and confidant who I could always depend upon in the heat of the Washington battles. I will miss his wise counsel, camaraderie and razor wit.
Gary Sullins
May 6, 2024
This is a great loss for the family, but also for the nation. Keith's legacy is the discipline and rigor he strived for MDA to follow. His fingerprints are on all of the successful programs within the Agency. What I remember most is his attention to detail, but also the fact that we was a man of few words; he asked me to chair a Failure Review Board sio I frequently would send him detailed SITREPs and his response would be "Thanks" or "OK". He will be greatly missed!
Trey Obering, Lt. Gen. USAF (ret)
May 6, 2024
Keith was the consummate professional in every sense of the word. He worked quietly but very effectively in providing the technical leadership to develop, test, produce and deploy nearly every element of this nation's global, integrated missile defense system. And he did so with grace and humor.
Kevin O´Brien
May 6, 2024
I remember most his sense of humor. Most people likely don´t remember when Keith first came to missile defense, he and Al Hemphill were the biggest cut-ups. Later when he was an SES, I walked into a meeting that Keith was chairing and said "hi". Keith replied "not yet". You could always tell when the old Keith would come out. He got this look on his face that telegraphed what was about to happen. It was always very funny. Was a privilege to work for him and I am sure Jim Fagan was waiting for him in heaven with a stack of papers.
Leighton Smith
May 6, 2024
Met Keith as a new guvvie when he took over the SE lead on SDIO's Brilliant Pebbles program. Continued to work on missile defense program as he advanced to SE two-letter position. Enjoyed many lively engagements with him over the years.
Whitney Robinson
May 6, 2024
Working for Kieth could be exhausting as he was always two steps ahead on the engineering questions. I remember one of my colleagues, turning in a technical paper to him and getting ready to go downstairs to get coffee and I told my colleague not to leave. He gave me a weird look and as he was arguing with me, Keith called him on the phone. He´d already digested a 10-12 page technical document and had more questions for him.
Matthew C. Hawes
May 6, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Englander family. Keith was a mentor and boss to whom I owe a great deal - he took me under his wing, grew me, tolerated me, and continued to push my professional career but was also there to just talk through day-to-day issues and concerns. I was not alone in this regard as he mentored so many - and that will be one of his lasting legacies.
"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
David MacMillan
May 6, 2024
I worked a lot for Mr. Englander, directly, in the late 1990's and early 2000's and respected him very much. He had us develop the Far Term threat for NMD. He was demanding but kind. Later, when he advanced further into senior executive service, I would occasionally see him in the hallways of FOB-2, and he would always take the time to give me a nod or shake my hand. What a respectable man.
James McComb
May 6, 2024
My deepest sympathies go to the Englander family during this sorrowful time.
I worked with Keith on many challenging activates in support of the Missile Defense System. He will surely be missed.
John "JB" Smith
May 6, 2024
Through the much of my MDA career (since 2008), Mr. Englander was a constant. For the 6 years that I worked as his Failure Review Board representative, I was privileged to observe his technical acumen and drive to make things work. He will be greatly missed.
Ann Barbaro
May 6, 2024
Deepest condolences to the Englander family. Keith was the person we all aspire to be-brilliant, kind, and wicked funny. His memory for detail was staggering. (He´d have us search for a briefing chart from 10 years ago with a particular graphic in a particular place...and there it would be!) He took good care of his people, always. He will be greatly missed.
Carla Meyers
May 5, 2024
Heartfelt condolences and prayers lifted for peace and strength. Had the pleasure of meeting Keith while on active duty at MDA. Respected, sharp intellect and a sense of humor that was right on time in delivery. Always had a kind word and smile when he saw me in the hall enroute to a meeting. He made an impactful difference and will be missed!
Brad Hill
May 5, 2024
Met Keith while working on THAAD flight test program for Judd Carpenter in 1990s and building National Missile Defense (NMD) high fidelity simulations in 2000s with Jeff Starks at STEPAL laboratory. Keith was a natural born leader and gifted system engineer, he always asked the tough questions like "So What" after hours of pre-flight and post-flight meetings.
Keith had a God-given talent to assemble some of the best and brightest engineers to solve the difficult problems, and he was not afraid to accept risk for the greater good of the program.
Keith will be missed, to his credit many of the system engineering process we still use today, were innovated under his leadership.
Keith demanded excellence and set a standard we should all follow as we move forward.
Our hearts go out to his family,
Brad Hill
HTS
Proctor Grayson
May 5, 2024
Met Kieth working together on Brilliant Pebbles and later worked in his organization. I appreciated his dedication and excellence at work. I had no idea how innovative and good his systems engineering approach was for large, complex, evolving systems-of-systems until I had the opportunity to work in other organizations who struggle with that challenge. Thankful for the chance to work with him and get to know him. Most folks have no idea how much he did for the nation.
Tom Bulk
May 5, 2024
Besides being an outstanding engineer and having an incredible influence on the success of the Missile Defense Agency , Mr. Englander cared for his people and what made him exceptional was that he cared for all those supporting him, and that was thousands of people. He truly was a gifted and exceptional leader and is greatly missed.
Peter J Starnell
May 5, 2024
May 5, 2024
Peter J Starnell, LtCol AF(Ret.)
For almost three decades a private, unassuming A-6 engineer, first worked on and then led what had to have been one of the largest engineering teams in U.S. history. Just "Keith" to most, he successfully navigated a minefield of engineering egos, political agendas, budget challenges and many program reorganizations to address congressional concern that in the 80´s this country had absolutely no capability to defend against a rogue ballistic missile heading for New York. Visionaries argued no worries, all we need to do is hit a bullet with a bullet! Engineers said "really?!" And that is what he accomplished, without drama or raising his voice, he built, protected, and was forever loyal to an engineering team of women, men, young and old (Dennis, Lee, Sean, Harry, Dan, Ann, and many others) who could literally walk into his office and chat (well, if they could get past Mary---I think she is still there, but with a tear in her eye). I was one for almost two decades, from the bowels of the Pentagon to Crystal City, to the Navy Annex and finally to Ft. Belvoir.
Working side-by-side with Mary, we "managed" Keith. In olden times, I would have been a "horse holder." There were early mornings, late nights, many briefings, speeches, and meeting after meeting. It was tiring and it took a toll but for me it was all worthwhile when I heard: "Hey, Pete. Do you have a minute? I want to run something by you." I would have done pretty much anything for that man. Goodbye my friend.
Dr. Shery Welsh
May 5, 2024
I worked for Keith for many years and if you had the opportunity to work directly for him, you found he was quite funny, especially during stressful situations. It was the dry sense of humor that would come out of nowhere--it was hilarious. I'll always appreciate his absolute support of my career and the opportunities he afforded me. My career wouldn't be quite the same as it is if it weren't for him. He'll be missed. My prayers and thoughts to his family.
Shawn Johnson
May 5, 2024
Mr. Englander was the executive for my Career Development Program's class. He was a great mentor and leader for both technical and non-technical professionals. We are very grateful for our experience as we learned alot.
Prayers for his family!
Archer M. Macy, RADM, USN(Ret)
May 5, 2024
Keith was a great engineer and leader up who always contributed deep understanding and common sense to to the advancement of the most technical or political discussions of national defense. capabilities.
Rest well my friend!
Brent Romine
May 5, 2024
Enjoyed working with Keith during the early years of National Missile Defense and at the MDA. He worked tirelessly. The most enjoyable times were as the day was winding down and a few of us would find ourselves in his office working through some issue. He was always professional and kind, with that dry sense of humor making an appearance frequently. His contributions to Missile Defense are enormous. I remember one day when we went from one meeting addressing a significant system-level issue to another where we´re dealing with a circuit issue and thinking his breadth and depth were very impressive. Keith will be missed.
Tracy Tynan
May 5, 2024
I first met Mr Englander when I was on active duty, and within minutes is was clear his focus was on developing the greatest Missile Defense capability possible for the country. Later, while on the OSD staff, his leadership in the Missile Defense portfolio was recognized and appreciated throughout DoD. We will all miss his direct approach to every issue--and his very dry, but extremely funny sense of humor. What an amazing life of service!!
Mike Cifrino
May 5, 2024
Keith was the consummate professional and person of great integrity. I remember how excited he was when I mentioned that I had visited the Franklin Institute on a rare trip to Philadelphia. He happily described in detail the various exhibits I had just seen. I will remember him fondly.
Warren Anderson
May 5, 2024
I first met Mr. Englander in 2000 when I was assigned to the MDA engineering team. I expected this to be last active duty assignment. However, he challenged me with some tough tasks and guided me in his quiet leadership style to success. I was selected for ICAF, promoted to Colonel, and served for another 9 years because of the confidence and trust Mr. Englander had in me. Naturally, as my retirement neared, I made one phone call...Mr. Englader took the time and we spoke...just the usual clear, concise chat. I said I wanted to come work for you; he said, "call Deb." We worked together for 10 more years. I am fortunate to have witnessed first-hand his contributions to missile defense and this nation. Keith, I am forever grateful and blessed to have crossed paths. Lisa and I send our thoughts and prayers to your family.
David A. Keen
May 5, 2024
Mr. Englander had that unique gift of finding a bit of humor in stressful situations that relaxed technical folks so they could function at their best... this was especially evident in higher level briefings where the explanations were often complex and changing... but he would add a drop or two of levity that would calm the room and move us forward to do our jobs. Glad I had the chance to know him.
Denise Spencer
May 5, 2024
Mr englander was technically brilliant and a great leader who took care of his people. Through my career at MDA, he provided guidance and direction and gave me great opportunities for my career to grow. He gave so much to the nation. Thank you!!! Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Glen Long
May 5, 2024
Highest respect for Mr. Englander. He always had the public's interest as the forefront. Took excellent care of his people. He is sorely missed.
MG (Ret) Ole Knudson
May 5, 2024
Keith was a great teammate in MDA. We partnered to answer many challenging questions from the DoD and Congressional members and staff and the COCOMs on the best ways to improve our Homeland and Regional Missile Defense capabilities. His knowledge and contributions to improving missile defense capabilities were unmatched.
Steve Peduto
May 4, 2024
I first met Mr. Englander in 2005 when I briefed him and a Navy admiral on an emerging threat topic. 11 years later I had the privilege to support him directly as one of his engineering contractor staff members. His career sets the standard for what it means to be both a technical leader and a civilian serving the nation. His work ethic and mastery of the technical details of a very complex system were unmatched. He took care of his team, treated everyone with kindness and respect, and had an amazing sense of humor. I was away on vacation when he was given a small/informal retirement send off by the team. I´d hoped our paths would cross again so that I could simply say, "Sir, it was a privilege to support you." My prayers are with the Englander family.
Patrick Stadter
May 4, 2024
What an amazing contribution Keith made to our Nation´s defense. I fondly remember many technical discussions and even arguments but I always knew he had the best interests of the country at heart. He was one of a kind and will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Ed Gerry
May 4, 2024
I first met Keith when I was System Architect in SDIO during Bush 1, and worked with him in various capacities throughout his expanding career at SDIO, BMDO, & MDA. He was definitely one of the good guys in the Missile Defense business and his capabilities will be sorely missed by everyone.
Michael Cox
May 4, 2024
Keith and I worked at MDA together. As the UEWR director I woeked closely with Keith to bring MD capability to missile warning. He was always a straight shooter and great person.
Steve Rosser
May 4, 2024
Keith was a good guy and major contributor to MDA´s successes over the years.
Daniel Lally
May 4, 2024
I first met Keith in 2001 when I joined the Missile Defense Agency as a contractor. I worked for him primarily as a member and lead for his performance analysis/Quick Response Team. Interaction with him was daily providing analysis responses to highest levels of US government. As intense as the pressure was on him he was always a gentleman, treated all with respect and never passed on any negativity. He had our backs and treated us as colleagues. He was a model leader and mentor and a national asset. He will be missed. May God bless and keep him.
Larry and Teresa Torreyson
May 4, 2024
Teresa and I met Keith when we both worked at the Naval Ordnance Station Indian Head MD in the early 1980s. Although we did not work in the same departments, we developed a great friendship after hours with Keith and Jana at the softball field, Officers Club, CAD outings, and parties. We went our separate ways in 1988 when we both departed Indian Head. However, our paths crossed again 20 years later at Aerojet where I was the energetics manufacturer lead for THAAD and Keith was the Director of Engineering for MDA. We were able to briefly reflect on old times together. He will be dearly missed. Teresa and I send our condolences to Jana and the family.
Dan Litwhiler
May 4, 2024
Mr. Englander will be remembered for his remarkable contribution to the DoD and the agency. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Englander when he was the Deputy for System Integration for the BMDO National Missile Defense System and on and off through his remaining career. I respected him and appreciated the leadership and vision that he brought to everything he touched. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Kurt Tripp
May 4, 2024
Keith was a Giant in our industry and I am so grateful to have walk the hall with him
Stan Stafira
May 4, 2024
I met Mr. Englander when I was still on active duty and having been assigned to MDA. I had just got promoted and told him that I think I could do more in Engineering. He pulled me up into his front office to be his Chief of Staff. He taught me a lot and let me grow into the role. I guess he liked what I did because when I retired, he asked me to come back and work for him as a government civilian. He challenged and mentored me. I know I would not be where I am without his friendship and guidance. I truly loved his wry humor and that twinkle in his eye when you knew he had your back. I know he cared deeply for his people and was always there to support and protect them. I will always remember his selflessness, dedication and kindness. He was brilliant and is missed greatly.
prasad godavarti
May 4, 2024
i first met Mr. Englander when 9 started work , firt in 1993, on certain aspects of the missile defense .mu association with him continued till i left the agency recently. i was never based in Huntsville but did see him in off-site meetings. i never worked with him directly but decisions and vision Impacted my work. my condolences to the family.
Abe Bushra
May 4, 2024
An exceptional engineer with brilliant mind and remarkable leadership, Mr. Englander touched and influenced the lives of many engineers, including mine. He provided me with a transformative opportunity to expand and enrich my engineering career. Under his guidance, I flourished both professionally and personally, owing much of my success to his mentorship and support. I will always remember him for his strong work ethic, dedication, and kindness.
Katharina McFarland
May 4, 2024
Keith was the very best at subtle humor and kindness. When I came to the Missile Defense Agency, I recall sitting at a huge oval table and feeling quite small. I was looking at all the faces and he looked back and smiled, giving me the signal 'its okay'. His office was down from mine so on the walk back he told a couple of jokes, and talked about engineering...in this case 'knowledge points'. I was put to ease. I could do this. The head of engineering was ok with me. Such a loss...a smile, laughter, brilliance..a friend.
Andrew Wirkkala
May 3, 2024
I worked with Keith on the A-6 aircraft program where we became close friends. He had a gift of being able to explain technical issues in a way that non-technical people such as myself could understand. I have great memories of that timeframe, including a joint family vacation at Virginia Beach. Keith will be greatly missed.
Denise Harris
May 3, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Englander's family and friends. Mr. Englander was an incredible technical contributor to our nation and will be remembered always!
Shari Feth
May 3, 2024
Keith Englander was a great mentor, but one of few words!
Mychau Nguyen
May 3, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Your whole life contribution to the nation will never be forgotten. You were a great leader who had a sense of humor. Your working habit should be a role model for young peoples.
Angi Keel
May 3, 2024
Mr. Englander was one of the most admirable, knowledgeable, esteemed people that I had the honor to know and support. I always had utmost respect for him and his insight. Prayers for his family, and all others who supported him at MDA.
Stan Thomas
May 3, 2024
Mr. Englander was always there to answer my questions and provide guidance. I was amazed at just how much knowledge he had with all the diverse systems within MDA. I still remember calling him very early in the morning during a flight test and his sound guidance saved the day for us! He will be missed, but he will always be remembered as the standard for all of us to follow.
Al Hemphill
May 3, 2024
Keith joined the Brilliant Pebbles Task Force in 1992 and we immediately became friends. We went TDY often and my favorite was to the Rocket Propulsion Lab. The lab commander walk around the conference room greeting all the uniformed military and skipped the two civilian GS-15 - ie Keith and I. He turned to me and said, "I told you we should have showered...". Needless to say, we did our usual and just drew more attention by laughing. Dr Sean Collins, another great American, swore he´d never travel with Hemphill and Englander again. Keith used get mad at me while we were in the front office of MDA when I would cover up his beloved A-6 photo with a portrait of Dr Jim Carlson (if you know you know). Keith got even in many ways, all in good fun. I miss him.
Nancy DiCarlo
May 3, 2024
I first met Keith in 2007, when joining the Missile Defense Agency. He was both a colleague and friend. I knew him to be a stellar professional and engineer, family man, loyal friend with a wicked sense of humor. He was greatly respected by all that knew him. He will be sorely missed by all. My most sincere and hearfelt condolences to Jana and Alex for your loss. Nancy DiCarlo
Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results
254 Carroll St. NW, Washington, DC 20012
Make a Donation
in Keith Englander's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Keith's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Keith Englander's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more