After battling cancer for two and a half years, Alvin Gerald "Jerry" Johnson Jr., 79, passed peacefully into God's eternal care on Tuesday August 28, 2012, at Calvary Fellowship Homes, with loving family by his side.

Born and raised in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, Jerry was the son of the late Alvin Gerald Johnson and Dena Dyrness Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie R. Johnson who passed in February, 2012.

Jerry graduated from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL with a degree in Mathematics. He moved to Washington D.C. to begin his career at the Naval Research Lab.  Jerry was a space pioneer who continued at NASA for thirty years working on the development of rockets and satellites. He was actively involved in the Viking Rocket, Mercury, Nimbus, and Tiros satellite projects.  One of his career achievements at the Goddard Space Flight Center was managing the development and operation of a scientific pallet for the third space shuttle mission.

Jerry's faith in God was evident by his commitment to Christian Education and Administration.  He was instrumental in the founding of the Annapolis Area Christian School, served on the Board of the Quarryville Presbyterian Home, taught BSF classes, and in retirement, promoted the mission and service of Calvary Fellowship Homes as Director of Development. An active church member: he served as elder, education leader, and choir member.  Harvest Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church were his most recent places to worship. He loved people and will always be remembered as a mentor and friend to both young and old.

Jerry enjoyed relaxing at Rehoboth Beach, traveling, photography, gardening (roses were his joy!) and spending time with his family.

Jerry was the devoted father to his two children:  daughter Priscilla who resides in New Milford, CT, and son Philip and his wife Anne, and granddaughters Emma, Sarah, and Heather of Towson, MD.  Jerry is also survived by his sister Carolyn Johnson of Rockford, IL. He will be lovingly and dearly missed by his children, granddaughters, and sister.  Jerry also leaves behind cherished extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2:00pm at Harvest Presbyterian Church, 517 Beaver Valley Pike, Lancaster, PA.  In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested that donations in his memory be made to Calvary Fellowship Homes Benevolent Fund, 502 Elizabeth Drive, Lancaster, PA  17601.To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100