John Joseph Dell

Major John J. Dell (Retired) 1934-2019

Suddenly on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, John Joseph Dell of Alexandria, Virginia entered eternal rest. John was born to the late John and Josephine Dell on March 14, 1934 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The family would later move to Bayonne, New Jersey. At a very young age John was taught and learned to live a life of faith exemplifying throughout his life the Christian values his parents taught. After graduating high school, he attended Newark College of Engineering, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. In October,1956 he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he continued his studies in Engineering and in 1962 John received a Master of Science degree in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

John would later meet and marry his sweetheart, Helen Frances Wilder of Dennysville, Maine. Their marriage would last for nearly 43 years. Having been faithful servants of Christ, they united in faith with the Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia.

John’s educational background, skills and experience would later prepare him for participation and management of numerous research and development Air Force programs and projects relating to flight testing for programs such as the Solid Rocket Booster Program for National Aeronautics and Space Administration as well as various high level/high profile engineering programs and projects with the Defense Intelligence Agency and Engineering Staff Development assignments in California and Florida. This experience would render 20 years of sustained superior service to our military and our country and on October 31, 1976, John retired with the rank of Major.

In June, 1977, John began working for the Naval Ordnance Station, Indian Head, Md. This position would be the first of several Federal civilian jobs that he would hold spanning over a 20 year period. During his tenure in Federal civilian service with the Naval Sea Systems Command, he worked tirelessly in several capacities supporting the AEGIS Program, including technical oversight, acquisition, program evaluation and production management. He would retire from Federal civilian service in January, 1999.

In addition to his professional work, John often gave back to his community through volunteer service. His kindness knew no bounds, as he was well known and recognized by his community for his volunteer work with the Alexandria Corps of the Salvation Army and the Mount Vernon Nursing Center to name a few. John also received numerous other military, civilian and community awards and commendations spanning over his lifetime.

Most of all, John was a kind neighbor, a gentle and humble man who loved Christ, his family and friends. He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Helen for nearly 43 years.

John is survived by his wife, Helen; two nephews, Kevin Przystup (Robert) of Brick, NJ, Brian Przystup of Miami, FL; a niece, Letitia Jackson (Howard) of Palm Springs, CA and host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.