Find an Obituary

John Theodore Knudsen "Jack" passed peacefully on April 15, 2019 in McLean VA. Jack was a great husband, father, friend and mentor. He was kind and giving, with a strong sense of loyalty, responsibility and integrity. In retirement he never gave up on winning a sailing regatta in his Mobjack. Travel, bridge and golf, with friends, were other favorite past times. His life was long and full. Born October 24, 1922 to Theodore Knudsen and Dorothy (Joyce) Knudsen. Married to Linda (Deaton) Knudsen for 66 years until her passing in 2012. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1945 and retiring in 1965. He served in WW II and the Korean War with assignments on two heavy cruisers and three submarines. He had two commands, The Submarine USS Greenfish (SS-351) and Commander Submarine Division ELEVEN and an assignment with Special Projects Polaris Program. After retirement from the Navy he held the position Director of the FBM Dept with Howard Research and Control Data Corporation. He and associates of Howard Research formed Systematics General Corp, Inc. and Waste Management Services Co. His last endeavor was as a management consultant for the U.S. Health and Welfare Dept. He retired from government service as a GS-15 in 1984.He is survived by five children, Michael Knudsen of McLean, VA, Karen Knudsen, of Coronado, CA, M. Eric Knudsen of Great Falls, VA, J. Kevin Knudsen of Falls Church, VA and Peter Knudsen of Leesburg, VA, 11 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. His friendship, humor and guidance will be missed. Interment will be later in the summer at the USNA columbarium. Projects Polaris Program. After retirement from the Navy he held the position Director of the FBM Dept with Howard Research and Control Data Corporation. He and associates of Howard Research formed Systematics General Corp, Inc. and Waste Management Services Co. His last endeavor was as a management consultant for the U.S. Health and Welfare Dept. He retired from government service as a GS-15 in 1984.He is survived by five children, Michael Knudsen of McLean, VA, Karen Knudsen, of Coronado, CA, M. Eric Knudsen of Great Falls, VA, J. Kevin Knudsen of Falls Church, VA and Peter Knudsen of Leesburg, VA, 11 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. His friendship, humor and guidance will be missed. Interment will be later in the summer at the USNA columbarium.

Published in The Washington Post on May 5, 2019