David Nelson Gershberg

David Nelson Gershberg, age 88, passed away on December 17, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born in Baltimore to Frank and Fannie Gershberg and lived in Rockville for 57 years. David met Barbara Sue Brisker at the George Washington University Hillel Watermelon Splash in 1954, and they were married in June of 1958. Together, they raised 3 children, Lori, Felicia, and Stephen, and a series of German Shepherds.

David began his career as an electrical engineer at Melpar in Falls Church, VA, in 1956, with a stint of military service from 1957-1959. While serving in the Army, he helped develop and launch the first transistor that the United States deployed to orbit the earth, and he held patents related to that work. He worked at Melpar, which became E-Systems and later Raytheon, for over 30 years. During the course of his career, he was recognized as a genius-level engineer by his peers. He is named on multiple, highly complex patents for his work developing top secret security systems that are still in use protecting the people of the United States.

He achieved his goal of retiring before the age of 60 and spent his retirement years enjoying his family and his dogs, playing tennis, riding his motorcycles, collecting and repairing antique pocket watches, and puttering in his workshop.

David is survived by his wife, Barbara; their children and spouses, Lori Gershberg and Stephen Arthur, Felicia Gershberg and Paul Strauss, and Stephen and Adrianne Gershberg; their four grandchildren, Andrew and Michael Strauss and Nate and Keira Gershberg; and his nephew, Sandon Cohen. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Maurice Gershberg, and sister, Nancy Cohen.

Private burial was held on December 20, 2022, at Judean Memorial Gardens. A memorial may be held at a later date. Please contact Felicia [email protected] if interested.

Contributions in memory of David Gershberg may be made to Charles E. Smith Life Communities, 6121 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852 https://www.smithlifecommunities.org/giving/make-a-donation/

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Gershberg family.