Joseph A. Woerner - Obituary

oseph Aloysius Woerner, age 84, of Annapolis, MD passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Joe persevered through cancer and numerous strokes over the last 15 years before God finally called him home. Born in Elkton, MD, Joe was the oldest son of the late Aloysius Anthony and Helen Dunn Woerner. Joe graduated from University of Delaware with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1959 and earned his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University in 1967. Joe served in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1961 to 1969 and worked for the David Taylor Research Center in Annapolis for 40 years, from the time he graduated college until the labs closure in 1999. Joe had many accomplishments in his career, helping advance the U.S. Navy’s science of submarine propulsion, including development of hydrogen fuel cells, part of the lab’s work in developing “silencing technology” intended to ensure a submarine’s presence could not be detected. He was part of the team on Deep Quest, the US Navy’s advanced submersible in the 1960’s and 70’s during the height of the Cold War, which set underwater endurance records for small manned submersibles, and still holds the depth record of 8,310 feet for U.S. built submersibles. After the closure of the David Taylor Lab, Joe continued to serve many Department of Defense projects through his work with Alion for a number of years until his retirement. Joe enjoyed his gardening, volunteering as a church usher, tinkering and repairing anything and everything and perhaps most of all spending time with family and friends. Also known as Gran Gran, he truly loved spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed telling funny stories and putting smiles on their faces. As a dad, he was always there for support, love and encouragement. He was a devoted husband to Jean for 59 years – she was his rock. He was a past President of the St. Mary’s High School Parents and Friends Association. He volunteered for many years with Boy Scouts of America, when his sons were young, as well as for many years afterwards. Joe earned their Silver Beaver Award, awarded to Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council. Joe was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as the Grand Knight of the Annapolis chapter from 1996 to 1998. He was a devoted Catholic, and led a life of care and compassion for others. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Regina; his brothers in law, Glenn R. Coleman, Jr. and Nicholas Mergo. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta Jean Woerner; his children, Theresa Woerner (Robert) Charest and their children, Logan Charest and Megan (Taylor) Line, Stephen Joseph (Paula) Woerner and their children, John, Matthew and Timothy Woerner, John Robert (Colleen) Woerner, and their children, Cole, Sean, Chad and Donovan Woerner, Andrew Charles (Laura) Woerner and their children, Davis and Ryan Woerner; his siblings, Margaret “Peggy” Mergo and Marie (Richard) Beldyk, John (Elaine) Woerner, Francis (Lynn) Woerner and Aloysius (Kathy) Woerner, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life on Sunday, October 3 from 3 to 6 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd, Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, October 4 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. Interment will be private at Lakemont Memorial Gardens in Davidsonville. The family requests wearing of masks for indoor services. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either, the Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund, Annapolis Council #1384 Charities, 610 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 or The National Aphasia Association, P.O. Box 87, Scarsdale, NY 10583. Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall tab above.