Stephen Michael Derry

Stephen Michael Derry, was born in Knoxville, TN on July 11, 1943 to John Alvin Derry and Kathryn Stroup Derry. He died at the age of 79 at his home in Clear Lake after a long illness.
Steve obtained his Physics degree from Rice University in 1965 and began his career for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the Engineering Directorate of the new Manned Spacecraft Center (Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, 1973). Early on, in the Instrumentation & Electronic Systems Division, he participated in developing laser communications systems for use in the Apollo Program. Following Apollo, he joined the Structures and Mechanics Division, where he contributed to the successful design of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's tiles and wing leading edge panels, by calculating the entry heating rates/temperatures with the MINIVER computer program. After a reorganization, Steve continued to support the Space Shuttle Program, finishing his 47-year career in the Advanced Programs Office and then the Navigation Control & Aeronautics Division. He is best remembered for his expert leadership while serving as the NASA co-chair of the Thermal Panel, which oversaw technical issues for the Shuttle Program, until his retirement in 2013.
Steve was a long-time supporter and lover of the arts, especially ballet and visual arts.
Steve was preceded in death by his mother, father, son, Michael, and two stepmothers, Virginia and Jane. He is survived by his sister Josephine Ferrusi of Timonium, MD, his brother Brian and his wife Kathy of Missoula, MT, and his nephews and their families.
The family gives special thanks to close friends Fred and Angela Martin and Ellen King, as well as a long list of caring supporters, too many to name here. Steve was lovingly cared for by the teams at At Your Side Homecare, Enhabit Hospice and Andrea Zaite, care manager. It was because of this amazing community of caregivers that Steve was able to remain in his home.
Steve's ashes will be laid to rest with his mother, Kathryn S. Derry, in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where he grew up.