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JOSEPH MICHAEL "JOE" VERLANDER

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Melbourne Central Catholic High School Rollins College

JOSEPH VERLANDER Obituary

VERLANDER, JOSEPH "JOE" MICHAEL, Altamonte Springs, Florida, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 surrounded by his family in the same love that he gave to all he met throughout his life. Born February 12, 1927 in Richmond, VA to Joseph and Ann Verlander, Joe found true love in his wife,
Constance "Connie" Metzger of Richmond, VA, being married on May 23, 1953. He served his country as a Naval Aviator in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets from 1944-1956 and then with Martin Marietta in Baltimore, Maryland as Program Manager for the Aerospace Division from 1956-1961. In 1961, Joe was assigned as Martin Marietta's Director of Canaveral Operations for over 100 manned and unmanned launches, including the Gemini program. The Gemini program was the first to test long duration spaceflights, spacecraft maneuverability, rendezvous and docking of two space vehicles and the first extra vehicular operation (spacewalks). His strong Catholic faith, 'launched' many an astronaut into the heavens during the height of the space program. Following the completion of the Gemini space program, he came to Orlando in 1972, where he held key management and engineering positions with Martin Marietta (Lockheed Martin) until his retirement in 1992. He attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where he received his Bachelors of Mathematics and Science. Joe is survived by his wife, Connie, sons
Michael (Christina) and Paul (Pam), daughter Mary Van Brunt (Blake), seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Joe was active in service and ministries at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, FL. He enjoyed being with his family and many friends either at the beach in Indialantic, Orlando or with their many friends at Rolling Hills Golf Club in Longwood. A memorial wake service will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 861 Maitland Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL on Nov 27, 6pm, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, Altamonte Springs on Nov 28 at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joseph M. Verlander Scholarship Fund c/o Melbourne Central Catholic High School,
www.melbournecc.org

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Published by Orlando Sentinel on Nov. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH VERLANDER

20 Entries

Graham Smith

January 19, 2013

To the Verlanders, It has been years since we lived across the street from you in Indialantic during the heyday of the Gemini and Apollo launches. I've always remembered Joes famous smile and kind words, always taking the time to talk with you and offer words of support.
No words can erase the pain and sorrow of his passing, but hopefully let you know how many lives he touched and helped throughout his life

Phil Morrison

December 10, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Joe at Martin Marietta beginning in the early 70's. If you asked any that worked with or for him, they will always say he was one of nicest people they knew - he made everyone feel good to be around him. I join in the celebration of his life and the many contributions he made to his family, friends and Country.

Dick Newell

December 6, 2012

I worked for Joe on the Gemini Program (the first two unmanned launches) at the Cape and later on various programs at Martin Marietta in Orlando. In my view Joe was one of the GOOD Program leaders and was liked by all that worked for him - he will be missed! Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers.

Sherwood Alan Weisman

December 5, 2012

In the few years that I knew Joe I always had a good time talking with him.
I am so glad that he was able to spend some time with my granddaughter Emmalyn Grace Van Brunt.
A person gets old and you forget their accomplishments.
Lt. Commander Verlander served his country with honor as a top-notch pilot and then later as the Operations Director of the Gemini Space Program.
But of course most of all he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather -- a kind and magnificient person who I am glad to have known in my lifetime - a true friend to all, including me.
We will truly miss you Joe. You touched the lives of so many people over the years. Thank you.

Jean Lillibridge

December 4, 2012

Connie, I am so sorry. You are in my prayers.

We had great times! Until we meet again...

Ann Marie Parker

December 2, 2012

Papa,
I wish I could see you one more time, but, I know that is impossible.
I will hear your voice now in my dreams and I will look for your image in the skies. I know you can feel my tears and you don't want me to cry, but it is so hard when I miss you this deeply. I will never forget the memories you left behind. I will always remember your stubbly chin, your thick framed glasses, your bubbly laugh, the noise of your cough, your thick eyebrows,your use of large adjectives(That is Marvelous!!), your love for symphony music, your passion for the Blessed Mother, your crave for chocolate of all kinds, the times we danced until your last breath, the brightness you felt in the air when you were present, and your soft gently spoken advice that has helped make all life struggles seems peaceful. You taught me more than I could learn in flashcards or books. There were so many good times.
You are special and near and dear to my heart. That will never change. I know you are already in Heaven watching over all of us. I am sure you are looking down with love and pride at the family you built. You can rest assured that we will never forget what you have taught us and that we will pass down those lessons to our children and grandchildren. I know I can speak for all of us when I say we miss you, but we will never forget you, because you have imprinted yourself permanently on our hearts. We love you unconditionally Papa Joe.
Live...Laugh...Love....And Remember......
Love Always,
Ann Marie Parker

Ella and Ginger

November 28, 2012

Connie, Paul , Mary and the rest of your family,

We are so sad to hear of Joe's passing. We always looked forward to his visits to our office. He and all of you have always been more friends than clients.

Take comfort in knowing he will always be in your hearts. You are truly blessed to have had Joe in your lives and I will always be grateful that you introduced him to us. He was such a dear.

Christine Shields

November 28, 2012

Dear Joe, It was an honor and privilege worshipping with you at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and singing at your funeral. "May the Angels Lead You Into Paradise". Alleluia. Alleluia.

Bonnie Bernau

November 28, 2012

My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. I know he will live on in all our hearts. Sending love and wishing you all peace. Bonnie

Roger Vizioli

November 28, 2012

I had the pleasure of working with Joe on the Space Shuttle proposal and working for Joe at Lockheed Martin/aka Martin-Marietta in Orlando.
The world is a better place because of Joe.
May he rest in peace,
Roger Vizioli, Merritt Island,FL

Les & Lydia Philip

November 27, 2012

Mrs. Verlander, Mary, Blake and Family,

Our deepest condolences to you all. We know how you loved your Husband, Dad and Granddad. We know there is nothing that can be said to fill the hole in your hearts right now. Just know that he is waiting for you in the next room. Speak his name as you always did, laugh and remember his love always. He is just over the rainbow looking on us all, a better room to wait until we all get to rejoin him again.

It's our prayer that you may be comforted in this time by your Dad's wonderful legacy of extended family that surrounds you. We are sure that as you gaze into each other's eyes you will see his strength peering through. Bless his name as he has already blessed you. And may this quicken you all to a closer walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

November 27, 2012

Joe was a brother Knight in Council 5618. He will be missed.
Roger j. Copeland
Past Grand Knight

Roy Edwards

November 27, 2012

So sorry to hear the news. I had the good fortune of knowing and working with Joe at the Cape during the Gemini days. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to the family.

Kenneth Shipe

November 26, 2012

Worked for Joe during the Gemini Program as a launch controller when the team launched 12 majestic Titan-Gemini vehicles and 20 brave astronauts. Joe relied on a Higher power during launch...he had his rosary in his pocket during terminal countdown.

November 26, 2012

I worked for Joe on the Gemini Program, he was always a gentelman and a great leader. I am proud to have been in his company. Don Fleming

Jerry Moskovitz

November 26, 2012

I worked at Martin Cape Canaveral all the years Joe was our Director. He would never pass you by without saying hi & asking how you were doing. He was always very friendly & all his employees were very important to him. It was sad to learn of his passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Jerry Moskovitz

Michelle Bowman

November 25, 2012

Love and miss you Papa!

November 25, 2012

We were very sorry to hear about Joe passing away. We remember him so well when we lived across the street from him.
Art and Juanita Volmert Mackey, Phil Volmert, Paul Volmert

Bob Carlin

November 25, 2012

Paul, I'm truly sorry to read the sad news about your Father. I hope that the many years since our Sertoma experience have treated you well.

Julie Gilbert

November 25, 2012

We are so sorry to hear about Joe. I played softball in Melbourne Beach with Mary and then we were at FSU together (my name then was Julie Putman). My father-in-law, the late Jack Gilbert, worked many years with Joe at Martin Marietta at the cape and my husband (Bob)remembers the whole Verlander family, especially Joe. We will keep all of your family in our thoughts an prayers.

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