Garland ESY/Raytheon Retirees

PRESENT: 18, 17
FIRST TIME:  0
LONG TIME:  0
GUESTS:  0
SICKNESS: 0

DEATHS:  

Gerard William Kennedy
September 28, 1957 – February 18, 2025

Gerard W. “Gerry” Kennedy, age 67 of Rowlett, Texas, passed away Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at his residence after an extended battle with cancer. He was born in Caribou, Maine on September 28, 1957 a son of William G. Kennedy and Jean Butsch Kennedy.

Gerry graduated from East High School, Erie PA and earned a BS degree in Mathematics from Gannon University in 1980. He joined the United States Air Force in 1981 as an electronic technician. While in the Air Force, he distinguished himself while stationed at RAF Chicksands, Suffolk, England where he was awarded the Meritorious Service medal for his leadership and technical expertise overseeing installation of a new Computer System. He further distinguished himself while stationed at Goodfellow AFB, San Angelo Texas. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation medal for his efforts as a curriculum developer while in the Air Training Command. He was part of a team of developers that created a maintenance course for the new Computer system deployed at RAF Chicksands. Gerard was honorably discharged from the USAF in January 1990. Gerry was hired by E-Systems (now a part of Raytheon Technologies) as an Electronic Technician, where he maintained operational readiness of a computer system developed and deployed by E-Systems. Gerry quickly moved into the Raytheon Software Department due to his knowledge and aptitude for software systems. Gerry transferred to Garland, TX as a Software developer in 1997. During Gerry’s career at Raytheon, he worked on many software programs in support of U. S. Government agencies. He retired from Raytheon Technologies after 31 years of service.

Gerry married Cheryl Drzewiecki of Erie PA in 1984. They have 6 sons, Benjamin Gerard, Alexander Patrick. Sean Matthew, Luke Elliot, Paul Andrew and Daniel Joseph.

Gerry served his community through the Boy Scouts of America for 28 years in a variety of roles including Scout Master, Cub Master, and Treasurer. All of Gerry’s sons achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout under his guidance as a Scout Leader. Although his sons were no longer in the scouting program, Gerry continued to support Troop 746 of Circle Ten Council, Dallas TX as Troop Treasurer.

Gerry was also a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for more than 15 years. He functioned as a Faith Formation Catechist for 5th/6th grade students, as a team member of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults(OCIA), and as a member of the Men’s Group. He constantly volunteered his time, money, and advice in service to the church and its parishioners.

Gerry is proceeded in death by both of his parents and his dear brother Michael Kennedy.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Drzewiecki Kennedy, his sons, their wives, and seven loving grandchildren. He is also survived by his four sisters; Mary, Maureen, Elizabeth, and Patricia; and three brothers; Kevin, Paul Scott, and Daniel; and his goddaughter, Brandi.

A visitation for Gerard will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. A mass will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 3030 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX 75228. A reception will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St Pius X Parish Hall, 3030 Gus Thomasson Rd, Dallas, TX. A committal service will occur Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 3900 Rowlett Rd, Rowlett, TX 75088.

Harold Smith (Greenville Site)
November 6, 1947 – February 13, 2025

Sunrise to Sunset…with a whole lot of living in between

Harold Don Smith, 77, of Rowlett, passed away February 13, 2025. He was born in San Angelo, Texas November 6, 1947. He was the youngest child of Walter Lawrence and Fannie Mae Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings Walter Smith Jr., Jesse Smith, James Smith, Madaliene Scott, Olen Smith, Mary Green and Charles Smith. Harold shared the November 6 birthday with two of his siblings: Mary and Charles.

Left to mourn and celebrate his life are his beloved wife of 27 years, Janette (Dulan) Smith of Rowlett, son Harold D. Smith Jr. (Joyce), daughter Tanya Smith, son Michael Dulan Jr., (Carmen) and daughter Ashlie Dulan. Harold and Janette have nine wonderful grandchildren: Alex, Jasmin, Jade, Zachary, Janelle, Mikaela, Marcus, Jarrod and Jamall. He is also mourned by a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and special friends.

Harold bragged about growing up “on the hill” on “dirt streets” in San Angelo. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, football, track and his high school social club, the Pathfinders. He attended San Angelo’s Hammond Elementary and Blackshear Junior High. He graduated in the Central High School Class of ’66. At the age of 10, Harold contracted polio, spent his summer learning to walk again and later competed in San Angelo’s Little Olympics. Harold inherited gardening, stamina and work ethics from his mother. He learned a sense of fairness, pragmatism, and working with his hands from his father.

Inspired by hometown coach Ray Hudson, Harold attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship. Harold married his high school sweetheart, Lynell Bland, and to this union, Harold Jr. and Tanya were born. During a pause in college courses, Harold was summoned by Uncle Sam where he served at the Ft. Meade, Maryland US Army Security Agency from 1970 to 1973. After his tour of duty, Harold worked as a software programmer for the Computer Science Corporation in Silver Springs, Maryland. His work included network tracking systems on several NASA projects, including the Apollo SOYUZ program. He worked the midnight to 8:00 a.m. shift and attended school during the day at Bowie State College graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math.

In 1976, Harold began his career as a Scientific Computer Programmer at E-Systems in Greenville, Texas. In 1978, he earned his Master of Science in Computer Science at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M) in Commerce and later became an adjunct professor at Amber University (now Amberton University). Harold is a 1989 graduate of the Defense Systems Management College. He became a Supervisor, then Manager followed by Director of the prestigious Special Air Mission Program (a fleet of aircraft that included Air Force One). In 1991, he became the first Black Vice President of Communication System Engineering followed by Vice President of Electronic Product Engineering in 1996.

Harold was involved in an advisory capacity with North Carolina A&T, the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Arlington, Wright Patterson AFB and the National Science Foundation. In the 1990’s, Harold was excited that he and his team of Engineers worked with local high schools in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program. Over the years, the schools won national awards and scholarships. The 1993 team was named US First National Champions and all involved were invited to the White House Rose Garden for a celebration.

In 1998, Harold received the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Engineering Achievement. Harold’s career in software engineering spanned E-Systems, Raytheon Aircraft Integration Systems, L3 Communications and eventually Northrop Grumman in Melbourne, Florida. Harold always boasted about the ‘fine Engineers’ with whom he had the pleasure of working. He prided himself on developing and promoting the brightest and the most competent.

Harold was passionate about coaching Harold Jr. and his friends in sports, serving in various leadership roles in the high school booster club and singing in the church choir. He loved watching Tanya cheer and then perform with the band at halftime while wearing her cheer uniform. He always told them to “attack the world; don’t let the world get you.” Harold enjoyed a wide variety of music, loved entertaining, traveling outside the U.S. and was an excellent cook. Family and friends were very important to Harold. He showed his love through his acts of kindness and wonderful meals. There was always a seat at his table!

Harold meticulously designed and maintained his home as if it were an engineering project. He dreamed of writing a book entitled “Value Earned”. This phrase was a play on the business concept of earned value (EV), the use of which catapulted his career. Harold cherished his career, worked hard and earned every reward or accomplishment along the way. He also toyed with the title: “Son that brick wall is hard.” It would be his way to pass on lessons learned to young people. Harold savored life and always said, “Only the Best Will Come My Way.”

Harold stayed strong and fought through cancer, a stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. He was respected and loved by many and will be truly missed.

Viewing for Mr. Smith will be held on February 27th, 2025, from 5-8pm at the Restland Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held on February 28th, 2025, at 2pm at the Restland Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.

Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information | Harold Don Smith

George Clovis
February 16, 2025
(no picture available)

It is with a heavy heart that I relay the information that George Clovis passed away on 16 February at the age of 86.

Many of you worked with George in the Aviation Systems product line, principally on the Flight Service Automation System (FSAS) project; I principally knew him for many years through the E-Systems Flying Club (before the employees Club was dismantled after the Raytheon acquisition). Always a professional and having great attention to detail, he was a pleasure with whom to share aviation experiences.

 
John Tietze
March 7, 2025

It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that John Tietze died on 7 March 2025 at the age of 80.  He was such a fixture in Building 580 as the CE of many of our processing systems – Crays, SGIs, huge storage systems, etc.  John led teams that delivered very cutting-edge technologies for National Security.  Many of us were honored to work with him!  Equally important, John was a great man and a good friend to so many.  He always made you laugh.  So many Tietze stories!! 



After retiring in 2005, John and Linda moved south to the Boerne vicinity, slightly north of San Antonio.  Accordingly, services were held March 24th at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 8500 Cross Mountain Trail in San Antonio. 

John’s full obituary can be found here:  https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/corpus-christi-tx/john-tietze-12278527

A significant chapter in the history of E-Systems will be closed with John’s passing.  Well done, friend!
 

Memorial services will be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall on 2 and 3 April:  https://www.resthavenfuneral.com/obituaries/Norman-Norm-C-Dixon?obId=39246016

Norm Dixon
March 14, 2025

After a lengthy illness, Norm Dixon succumbed to a heart attack on 14 March 2025, age unknown.  Norm joined legacy E-Systems in 1980 and contributed to the national defense until leaving in 2005

Memorial services were held at Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall on 2 and 3 April: https://www.resthavenfuneral.com/obituaries/Norman-Norm-C-Dixon?obId=39246016

Pat Stewart
March 3, 2025

Many of you will remember Pat Stewart, who worked for the E Systems Garland Federal Credit Union and First Garland Federal Credit Union.’  Unfortunately, Pat passed away on 3 March 2025 at the age of 82 in Mansfield.  Pat was always a “behind the scenes” employee, working in the back offices in Accounting.  As noted by her co-worker Stacey Overby, Pat was the heart of the Credit Union as the second-in-command.  Stacey also reflects that Pat was a wonderful boss and the best mentor ever!

After retiring in June of 2008, Pat focused her energies on her family, principally her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Additional information can be found at the website of the Laurel Oaks Funeral Home:
https://www.laureloaksfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patsy-Stewart?obId=38226728

Pat will certainly be missed.

Henry Muse
February 19, 2025

We recently received the sad news that Henry Muse passed away here in the Metroplex on 19 Feb 2025 at the age of 75. He retired from Raytheon in December of 2011 as an Engineering Fellow, having worked for the company since July of 1979. Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with Henry knew him as a fount of knowledge in a plethora of areas, the technical, non-technical, and the arcane. His understated demeanor belied a polished wit and a keen sense of humor.

Having received BS degrees in Mathematics and Physics in the early 1970’s and an MS degree in Applied Mathematics (significantly more complex than balancing one’s checkbook) in 1975, Henry came to Texas from the Tarheels State of North Carolina and rapidly adapted to the Texas culture, exemplified by his warmth and civility.

Rest in peace.

Louie Amaro

Dear family and friends,

It is with heavy, heavy hearts that the Amaro family announce the passing of our beloved Louie late Friday night. He passed peacefully, surrounded by all those who loved him the most following an inspirational battle with cancer.

Louie’s impact on all who knew him is massive, so to honor his life, we are planning a Celebration of Life to be held in Wylie, Texas on Saturday, April 12th (details to follow). We ask that EVERYONE who was touched by Louie please plan to join us for food and great memories of a truly one-of-a-kind person.

Luis “Louie” Anjel Amaro
1952 – 2025
“Loved by all who knew him”

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Medical Claims for reimbursement can be mailed to:

Alight Smart Choice Solutions
PO Box 64009
The Woodlands, TX
77387

This info was posted on our Facebook group.

Alight has a benefits “Gateway” website that will be used for benefits administration. If you haven’t created an account yet go to www.alight.com to do so. Scroll all the way down to the bottom. Click on “Find Your HR Website” and type in RAYTHEON under “Who is your employer?”.  This will pop up a link to www.yourtotalrewards.com/rtx and select “New user?”. The “New user?” selection links to a couple of identifying questions and then steps you through the account setup. It recognized me and I was able to set up my account so I could create my profile and preferences. They had my old employee email address in my profile and I had to call Alight to get that corrected (800-243-8135). Be sure to check your beneficiary information. This was blank for me so I corrected that. Also, if you are married, your personal information probably transferred over as single. This would cause any medical reimbursement claims for your spouse to be denied. Call the benefits people so they can correct it. 

Alight will manage the medical reimbursement and we will be able to check our DDB balance, submit claims, authorize direct deposit, etc. online.

If you need help setting up your Alight account, reimbursement claims, Direct deposit, etc. please email me at emmawahlstrom@aol.com. Terry Gaus has offered to help the retirees who may have questions. I can also help navigate the swamp if you need assistance.

Eileen continues to collect eye glasses and hearing aids for donation to the Lion’s Club.  Thank you all who have donated.

Our next luncheon will be April 30th. Tell your fellow retirees! Bring a guest!