John Petersen Gordon

Dr. John Petersen Gordon, 87, of Chesterfield, VA formerly of Stuarts Draft, VA passed away on Friday, June 24, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Gordon. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sally Oliver Gordon; daughters Marsha Cole (John), Linda Peterson (Frank), Pamela Cabanatan (James) and Melissa Lavin (Andrew); grandchildren Vincent Cole (Nicole), Meghan Cole, Isaac Peterson, Aaron Lee, Alexander Lavin and Katherine Lavin; brother, Richard Gordon (Sue); sister, Jane Niebuhr; and special dog, Heidi; as well as numerous extended family and friends. John was a Navy veteran serving during WWII. After the war he attended VPI in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he received his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering. It was during his time in Blacksburg that he met the love of his life, Sally Oliver. John went on to receive his PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, where he taught for several years before transferring to Northern Arizona University. John and Sally eventually made their way back to Virginia, with John transferring to Virginia Military Institute where he retired after nine years. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and served on numerous committees, boards and was active in many civic clubs throughout his career. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Springdale at Lucy Corr, 6708 Roundabout Way, Chesterfield, VA 23832. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4600 Cox Rd. #130, Glen Allen, VA 23060 in memory of John. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .