Kenneth L. Leidy, NASA retiree

Kenneth "Ken" L. Leidy, P.E., 87, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at his home. He was born Dec. 20, 1926, in Vinco, Pa., son of the late George A. and Mary Leidy.

Ken was inducted into the U. S. Navy during World War II. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in 1951. Following his graduation, he accepted a position at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C., where he worked on communications systems. He would later transfer to the Federal Communication Commission in Laurel, Md., where he redesigned and upgraded the field strength meter test range.

He would then relocate to Greenbelt, Md., where he would work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. At NASA, he was responsible for developing a higher powered radio frequency transistor communication system for the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory satellites. Ken enjoyed many years with NASA, but was happy when retirement came along.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia A. Leidy; and his infant brother, Griffith A. Leidy. He is survived by his daughter, Linda of Rehoboth Beach; sons: Mark and his wife Barbara of Lewes, and Joel and his wife Nancy of Rehoboth Beach; and his granddaughter, Evlyn Ann of Lewes.

All services are private. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Please visit Ken's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.