Dudley LeRoy Herndon Jr.

Dudley LeRoy Herndon, Jr., 89, of Naples, formerly of Alexandria, VA, and New London, CT, died suddenly on April 29, 2015. He first starting visiting Naples in the early 1950s while visiting a little “fishing village,” known as Gordon Pass at the end of Gordon Drive, when Port Royal lots sold between $7,500 and $12,000.

He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point), staying active in the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant for over 20 years.

Mr. Herndon worked at General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. in New London, CT at various positions during a 30-year tenure, first starting as a pipefitter in the shipyard. During this time, he became known for his organizational skills and creative problem-solving abilities. In the 70s, he worked on teams with the government for developing the Los Angeles 688-Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines. He then directed the Company’s quality assurance group on this class and the Ohio class ballistic guided missile submarines. During these exciting times, he satisfied the high expectations of excellence demanded by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, known as the Father of the Nuclear Navy. After his retirement from Electric Boat, Mr. Herndon acted as a consultant in the 80s and 90s with several utility companies, which sought expertise on nuclear quality assurance issues, heightened by the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.

In his free time, he published multi-set volumes on Herndon genealogy based on his steadfast and extensive investigation of scores of Herndon family historical bibles located in numerous states and old courthouse records. Most of this was done during the pre-internet era. These volumes currently reside in libraries throughout the country. While in Naples, he shared his passion for genealogy with others by volunteering in the genealogy department at the Naples library for about 20 years.

He is survived by his sons, Dudley (Nancy) Herndon, Randy (Ginny) Herndon; grandchildren, Michael (Leah), Meghan, William, Samuel, Randy (Christie), Gabrielle, Beau; great grandchildren, Eva, Stella, Micah, Anya. He constantly shared with others his joy in his family.

Mr. Herndon was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marika (Tink) Hartman.

Mr. Herndon was so grateful for the wonderful, supportive staff at Moorings Park in Naples where he resided the last 13 years. He enjoyed many facets of Moorings Park life. He also developed a sincere appreciation for the hard work of its caring employees when he volunteered his time for many years as a Chateau cookie deliverer, Friday night bingo caller, bi-weekly movie night operator, and weekly model sail boat official, as well as serving on Moorings Park’s building and grounds committee.

Mr. Herndon was a faithful participant and treasurer of Naples Bible Fellowship. He greatly appreciated the loving support of Pastor Rick Campana and his wife, Nancy, as well as many Naples Bible Fellowship members.

A service will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Bower Chapel at Moorings Park, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am, and the funeral service at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Naples Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rick Campana Ministries, 141 Muirfield Circle, Naples, FL 34113; Moorings Park Christmas Fund, 129 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105 (a fund established for its wonderful employees); or the charity of your choice.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hodgesFHatnaplesMG.com.