Thomas Naugler

Tom was born on August 19, 1942 in Jersey City, New Jersey to Ronald Naugler and Gladys Knapp Naugler. He graduated from Glen Burnie Senior High School (1960) and The Johns Hopkins University (1972) with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. He later obtained an MBA degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College (1990) and a Master’s degree in Engineering at The Johns Hopkins University (1995).

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Gladys Naugler and his two sisters, Diane Naugler Hayes and Jean Naugler Berg as well as all of his aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife Paula R. Roberts of Germantown MD and by six nieces and nephews: Susan Hayes of Monroe Township, NJ; Edward Hayes of Manalapan, NJ; Cynthia Hayes Grenier of Chatham, MA; Laura Hayes Knueppel of Henderson, NV; Ronald Fenley of Indio, CA; and Doreen Fenley of Newport Beach, CA. He is also survived by 7 great nieces and nephews, by 4 great-great nieces and nephews and by several cousins.

Tom served in the US Army National Guard’s 121st Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer. He served for six years and was Honorably Discharged in 1970.

Professionally, Tom spent his career as an electrical engineer at several engineering firms in Maryland such as Westinghouse, Watkins-Johnson, the Grimm Company, Fairchild and Hughes Network Systems where he contributed to the development of many major satellite and terrestrial telecommunications products and systems. Tom could not resist a podium and had the privilege of speaking at professional gatherings in the US and in Europe. During his last years at HNS, Tom also joined the adjunct faculty at the Johns Hopkins University where he taught telecommunications and business courses to graduate students in technical studies programs.

He retired from HNS after 21 years in 2002 when he received a Golden Retriever puppy from Paula as his retirement gift. Rocky immediately became Tom’s best friend for the next 11 years, going on numerous walks with him in Black Hill Regional Park, playing football in the backyard and taking long naps under Tom’s hammock on the deck.

After retirement, Tom continued to teach at JHU for another ten years before retiring again in 2012.

Throughout his long and eventful life, Tom avidly pursued many interests. High on the list was his passion for flying. He completed the requirements for the Private Pilot’s license in the record time of 40 hours in 1984 and then very quickly qualified for the Instrument Rating in 1985. Tom flew for many years, along with his wife Paula until they both had to retire their licenses due to cardiac issues.

Once safely back on the ground, Tom became an avid golfer which occupied many years of his time along with motorcycle riding and karate where he earned numerous belts.

Tom loved to see the world and along with Paula traveled for many years over the US, Great Britain, Italy, France, Cuba, Russia, Australia and Canada.

During this time, Tom joined the Monocacy Pistol Club in Frederick MD where he became an avid shooter spending many hours on the range perfecting his aim and serving as a Range Safety Officer. He also dedicated his time to the Club by serving on the board as the vice President for two years and as President for four more years. Tom loved his involvement with MPC and was still participating in events up to the time of his passing.

The family is grateful to the staffs of Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Bridgepoint Hospital in DC, and Shady Grove Health in Rockville for their unrelenting efforts to try to save Tom’s life. And then to Montgomery Hospice Casey House in Rockville MD for helping him to pass peacefully out of this life.

Tom was cremated and his ashes are being scattered by his family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday January 10, 2025 for Thomas Naugler. It will take place at 4pm at the Gaithersburg Marriott (RIO) at 9751 Washingtonian Blvd in Gaithersburg MD. There will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and funny stories about Tom! Anyone wishing to attend this event should contact Paula here or by text (301-704-2799).

Please leave a memory for the family on Tom’s Tribute wall. Your stories will bring comfort to those who are grieving him.