John Dalton Hardy

John Hardy, age 78, passed peacefully from his earthly life on Saturday, February 14, 2026, due to associated complications of Alzheimers. He had been a resident at Sunrise Assisted Living in Frederick, Md. since September 2025 and medical care intervention through Hospice of Frederick since early January 2026.   

John Hardy was born in Syracuse, New York to John Edwin and Elizabeth Case Faust Hardy. He was predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Anna Marie Hardy of Johnstown, Pa. He is survived by his loving wife of 4 1/2 years; Rosemary Johnson Lewis, adult stepchildren; Rebecca Kinloch and husband, Bill, of Mt. Airy, Md. and Rachel Petranka, and husband, Jeremy, of Raleigh, NC, and step-grandchildren; William, Tenley and Conner Kinloch of Mt. Airy, Md. Other immediate family survivors include his sister, Mary Beth Pellicciotti, of Spokane, Washington, Michael Pellicciottio and Anne Pelllicciotti Steel and her husband Ryan, and their young daughters, Maria and Julia; nephew and niece, and cousins. John was educated in the New York State public school system and Syracuse University in New York. He served in the US Air Force 1970-1974.

He was an electronic intelligence specialist (ELINT), being assigned to various statewide and overseas bases. John was employed for 34 years, prior to retirement in 2008, from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab (APL). He specialized in the processing and analysis of telemetry data from Poseidon and Trident test missiles. John also was involved with aeronautical engineering and analysis teams for NSA and DOT, including the US missile program.

John avidly followed Syracuse University football and basketball. He was also a fan of the Baltimore Ravens. Compiling and maintaining family genealogy records and pictures was John's on-going hobby. Throughout his adult life, he had provided a home to many stray and adopted cats and dogs. John often said, regarding pet care, dogs become devoted to their owners and a cat's devotion is to their staff!!

John liked to have discussions about man's place in the universe, the space program, current world news and science fiction. Additionally, a delicious homemade pie, a hot cup of coffee, a really funny joke and most importantly, the fellowship of family and friends were important and enjoyable for him.

A memorial service will be held per on-line Zoom attendance from Harry H. Witzke's Family Funeral Home in Ellicott City, Md. on March 21st 2026 at 2:00 pm  EST. A private urn burial will held on a later date at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Md. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to  Alzheimer Association or Animal Rescue.

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