Gary Paul Anderson

Gary Paul Anderson, formerly of Severna Park and most recently of Annapolis, passed away on February 18, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on February 19, 1942, in Colville, Washington, Gary was the son of Paul Luther Anderson and Jennie Verl Ockerman. He was raised in Oroville, Washington, on the Canadian border, where he earned his Eagle Scout award at the young age of thirteen. Gary attended Washington State University from 1960 to 1965. A member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a commission in the U.S. Army. He later earned a Master’s of Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Stationed at Fort George G. Meade, Gary was assigned to the National Security Agency (NSA) from 1965 to 1967, during which time he received the National Defense Service Medal. Following two years of active duty, he accepted a civilian position in the Office of Training. It was on an NSA 1967 ski trip that Gary met Sandra Leigh Burr; the two were married on March 29, 1969. In 1970, the couple moved to Aurora, Colorado, where Gary worked at the Aerospace Defense Facility. In 1977, Gary and Sandy returned to Severna Park, MD, with their young children, Lisa and Robert. Mr. Anderson went on to serve in several management positions within the Electronic Intelligence and Signals Analysis Organizations of the Operations Directorate, eventually retiring from the NSA in December 2000. Gary was deeply involved in his community. He served as President of the NSA Sun, Snow, and Surf Ski Club; of the St. Andrews Swim and Tennis Club; of the Anne Arundel County Tennis Association (AACTA); and of the Highland Woods Community Association. An avid athlete, he coached his daughter’s Green Hornets softball team and his son’s Big Vanilla tennis team. In addition to being a Deacon at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Gary was an excellent tennis player, often highly ranked in the USTA Mid-Atlantic region. When he was 65 he was #1 in Maryland and #2 in the Mid-Atlantic region. He also found joy in skiing, golfing, bicycling, and solving Sudoku puzzles. He was famous among his grandchildren for making dried apples—a tradition from his Washington roots—and for his festive spirit. Friends fondly remember the Mardi Gras parties where Gary threw beads from the windows, and his signature red Stewart plaid wool slacks, a Christmas staple he wore faithfully for decades. Mr. Anderson is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra; his daughter, Dr. Lisa Anderson (Dr. Justin Hall) of Annapolis; his son, Robert Anderson (Elizabeth) of Millersville, MD; and his grandsons Ryder and Everett Hall, Walker and Carter Anderson, and granddaughter Taylor Anderson. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Mayer (John) of Clifton, VA, and Joanne Johnson (Craig) of Sacramento, CA. A memorial service will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Severna Park, on Friday, March 6, at 11 a.m. A reception with light fare will follow in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or to the Deacons of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Gary Paul Anderson

February 19, 1942 - February 18, 2026