ANN ZEILINGER CARACRISTI

About

Russell Sage College

FUNERAL HOME

DeVol Funeral Home - Washington

2222 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.

Washington, District of Columbia

ANN CARACRISTI Obituary

ANN ZEILINGER CARACRISTI (Age 94)
Of Washington, DC, passed away at her home on January, 10, 2016. Ann was born in Bronxville, New York, to Virginius "Victor" Zeilinger and Jessie Donald Caracristi on February 1,1921. She graduated from Russell Sage College and began her career with the Army''s cryptologic organization during World War II. In April 1980, Ann was named NSA''s sixth Deputy Director (D/DIR) and served in that position until August 1982. After she retired from NSA in 1982, she was appointed by President Clinton to thePresident''s Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. She received numerous awards, most prestigiously, the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award (1980), Ann was preceded in death by her brothers Virginius Zeilinger Caracristi, Jr. and James Zeilinger Caracristi; and her longtime companion Gertrude Kirtland. Ann will be greatly missed by her nephew Roy (Helene) Caracristi; her niece, Judy Busby, other family and many friends. Friends may call at DEVol Funeral Home, 222 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20007 (complimentary Valet parking), on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 11:30 a.m., at Green Hill Cemetery of Clarke County, Berryville, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Russell Sage College or the National Cryptologic Museum Foundation

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for ANN CARACRISTI

11 Entries

Karen Veverka

November 12, 2017

Today there was an article in the New York Times entitled "What We Can Learn from Women in Wartime." The author of this op-ed mentioned that Ann, "together with a schoolteacher from West Virginia" broke a code that enabled the American military to pinpoint the location of Japanese troops. Do you know who that schoolteacher from West Virginia was? Could it have been USN Lt. Ruth Tonry (Veverka)? My mother also worked in that attic. I am sorry for Ann's passing. Ruth passed on October 10th, 2016.
Karen E. Veverka
[email protected]

Paul and Bruna Caracristi

January 29, 2016

Dear Ann. It is with both joy and sadness that I received the news of your departure. With sadness because we will not be able to go for a meal together again and tell each other fascinating stories over a glass of wine. With joy because you are now permanently in our hearts and and in our minds as we rejoice of your graceful and humble spirit. This reminds me of the quote that I recall in moments such as these: We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. ( Pierre Tellhard de Chardin ). Bon voyage ma belle amie! Your Canadian cousin.

Bill Studeman

January 14, 2016

The world has lost a great lady, and the country owes a debt of gratitude to Ann for her years of great service. She will be long remembered for her professionalism, grace and contributions to the business of national intelligence and the cryptologic world. We will miss her, remember her, and keep her in our thoughts and hearts. Best to her family and loved ones. With great respect, Bill Studeman

Jack Ingram

January 14, 2016

Ann was one of the most respected and beloved NSAers of all time. She was always gracious and kind to everyone she met and what an intellect she had. More than ever America is in need of people like Ann. I will always remember her fondly for all the support she gave to me at the NCM before and during the time she spent on the NCMF BoD. A great lady in every sense of the word!

Jan (Kubas) Harris

January 13, 2016

Farewell to a GREAT LADY -- the finest "boss" that I ever served at NSA. It was my good fortune to have been selected by her as her Executive Secretary during her years as D/DIRNSA. She was a most caring and concerned friend. I told her once that I considered her my "surrogate mother". She also had a terrific sense of humor. I will always remember her reaction to my answer when she asked me about my favorite music (this was 1980-1982 -- Saturday Night Fever era): I quickly responded "Disco". She gave me a shocked look, let out with a hearty laugh and chided me about that for some time afterwards!!
P.S. Even at age 71, I still like disco music!

January 12, 2016

It was my honor to have been an Administrative Assistant for Ann in the 1960's. Wonderful to work for. The best. She will be missed. Dick Burke

January 12, 2016

Our thoughts from the family of the late David Gaddy. Martha, Cathy

William Weizel

January 12, 2016

A most gracious, knowledgeable and professional person. I had the pleasure of working for Ms. Caracristi when she served in office and group positions. Her advancement to Deputy Director, NSA, until her retirement in 1982 underscored her excellence as a manager. She was well regarded by all. Another member of the 'greatest generation' lost to us all...

P J Hovey

January 12, 2016

Miss Caracristi was a favorite client and friend. We often met at the Four Seasons in Georgetown for a cocktail. Her intelligence and wit were marvelous.

Bill O'Sullivan

January 12, 2016

My late father, Patrick A. O'Sullivan, spoke often fondly of his colleague Ms. Caracristi. What a brilliant and groundbreaking woman. My siblings and I send our condolences.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results