Roelof "Ralph" Schuiling

Roelof (Ralph) Louis Schuiling, 90, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida. Born February 13, 1935 in Jacksonville, Florida, Ralph is survived by his stepchildren Jack Jordan and wife Alice, Patricia DiNunno, her children Adam Burguet and wife Halena, David Burguet, wife Caitlin and their children Judy and Cora.

Ralph’s childhood was spent in Fernadina Beach, Florida and after graduating from Fernadina Beach High School, he completed undergraduate studies at Alabama Polytechnique Institute (now Auburn University). Ralph went on to earn a PhD in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

In 1961 Ralph joined the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in Cape Canaveral Florida. During his 37 year career, Ralph supported missions as Operations Engineer and Payload Manager. Some of these included Apollo, Mercury, Gemini, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. During his time at NASA, Ralph’s many accolades included the Exceptional Service Medal, awarded to those who participated in substantial improvements and contributions to aeronautics and space flight.

On September 30, 1984, Roelof Schuiling and Angelina (Ann) Jordan were married at the Officer’s Club-Patrick Air Force Base, Cocoa Beach, Florida. Over their 35 year marriage they shared their Cocoa Beach and Suntree homes with family and friends. The consummate hosts gathered friends and family often, treating guests to warm and engaging conversation. Interested parties were treated to Ralph’s scotch and all enjoyed his sharp sense of humor. Many (including grandsons and their wife’s), were fooled into believing an outlandish story or faux-fact thanks to his quick-witted and signature dead pan delivery.

Grit, determination, intelligence, kindness and a sense of humor carried Ralph from his humble beginnings tying shrimp nets off the shores of Fernadina Beach, to an illustrious career shaping the greatest space program our world has ever seen.

Ralph was a loving and devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Lost to our world but never forgotten.