Donald Richard Wiesnet

Of Oakton, VA, died at 98 on August 13, 2025. Don was born February 7, 1927, in Buffalo, NY, the son of Rose and Charles Wiesnet. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eveyln (Jordan) in 2020, and survived by sons Andrew (Vicki), and Peter, and daughters Elizabeth (Will) Stettner and Ellen Hagey. He was a devoted grandfather to his eight grandchildren whom he loved and cherished dearly. Don married Eveyln Jordan in 1952. After getting his BA and MA in geology at the University of Buffalo, he spent 14 years with the U.S. Geological Survey. In 1967 he transferred to the Naval Oceanographic Office as a Research Hydrologist and in 1971 accepted a position with NOAA developing satellite research dealing with land sciences. Retiring in 1982, he founded Satellite Hydrology Inc. in Vienna, VA, resulting in 10 years of world travel giving seminars on the use of satellite technology. During World War II he served two years in the Pacific Theater with the US Navy and re-enlisted in 1966 for a direct commission in the US Naval Reserve, retiring as Captain in 1987. In retirement he served as president of the NARFE chapter in Vienna, participated in the National Silver Haired Congress and was an active member of the Northern Virginia Bird Club. He was a long time member of OLGC Catholic Church. Funeral Service will be held at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Rd., Reston, VA on September 29 at 11 a.m. His burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
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