Richard Herbert Meyers

Richard H. Meyers, 75 of Haymarket, VA passed away on Monday February 18, 2019. Richard was born in Miami Florida, to the late Herbert Meyers and Marie Meyers (Lazzara). He is survived by his sister Kathleen Meyers of Bethlehem, PA and his wife and love of his life of 48 years, Frances Meyers (Colletti). Together they raised two daughters, Sandra Jean Blake (Meyers), of Fredericksburg, VA and Jennifer Meyers-Heeter of Haymarket, VA. Their happiness continued as their family grew by two son-in-laws Phillip Blake and Kristopher Heeter and four grandchildren; Granddaughter, Taylor Meyers and their 3 Grandsons Connor and Austin Blake and Mason Heeter. There were no titles he loved more than husband, Dad, and Pa-pop. Rich grew up in Brooklyn NY and was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Pratt Institute with an Engineering Degree. Immediately after graduation, he moved to VA and was employed with the Bureau of Weapons, Department of the Navy in Washington DC, which later became Naval Air Systems Command (NavAir). Richard’s projects included the Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System (CAINS), which was the navigation system for five carrier aircraft, the F-14, S-3A, E-2C, RF-4B, and A-6E. Another involved the Navy’s first use of Commercial Navigation Systems for land based Naval aircraft. The first use of the commercial systems was in the P-3C and C-130 aircraft. In that contract were requirements for Air Force One. President Nixon was the first President to fly on Air Force One using this system on a trip to China. During his over 30 years with the Navy he was constantly continuing his education. He attended the National War College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He retired from the Navy as the Deputy Program Manager for Avionics in 1997 and received the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award, one of the highest awards given to a DOD civilian. Retirement didn’t last long though, Richard got bored and went to work part-time during tax season for H&R Block and was a part time consultant at the Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA). His major project at IDA was to help develop, the Department of Defense navigation related export controls on navigation related technology and equipment. These export controls were known as the Militarily Critical Technology List (MCTL) used in negotiations under a program called COCOM with 12 Allied countries. Rich finally retired for good in 2004 and made the decision to start travelling with his wife so he got involved in his community’s travel club. He ended up running the club for four years and planned all kinds of bus and train trips across the U.S. because that was the only way he would travel. As an Engineer, knowing how things work and working with the Navy for over 30 years, he would not get on a plane. When he wasn't taking trips, taking a nap or eating at Tony’s, you could find him watching old western movies, Fox 5, and cheering on the Yankees and Nationals. He loved watching his grandson’s play baseball and basketball and watching his granddaughter play Volleyball. He enjoyed going for car rides and enjoying the beautiful scenery surrounding Haymarket. He loved the mountains and being able to drive down the street and see all the cows and farm animals. His work accomplishments were unmatched by the pride he felt for his family. He never held back from telling his daughters, grandchildren and sons-in-law how proud he was of them and their accomplishments. He never ended a phone call or a good-bye without saying “I love you.” He will be missed by many. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm, Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Pierce Funeral Home on 9609 Center Street in Manassas, Virginia. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:30pm, Monday, February 25, 2019 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 8213 Linton Hall Road in Gainesville, Virginia In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/

Richard Herbert Meyers

September 9, 1943 - February 18, 2019