Robert J. McNelis passed away on December 19, 2012. He was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather, a meticulous mathematician, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. Bob was a gracious, humble man who valued love of God, family and country. His years of service to his country at NSA were an example of this dedication and commitment. Bob was a marvelous role model and genuine friend, and always put others ahead of himself. As a devoted husband and father, he showed us the value of unconditional love.
He was born on October 15, 1940, the youngest of three sons of Francis and Mary McNelis, and raised in Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Bob married Maria E. Mohen in 1964. They had 3 children: Robert Joseph. Jr., Susan Maria, and James Patrick. He had 9 grandchildren.
He graduated from GAR Memorial High School in 1958, and from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1962 with a BA in Mathematics. He was awarded a National Defense Fellowship to Lehigh University Bethlehem, PA from which he received an MS degree in Mathematics in 1964.
He began employment as a mathematician at the National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, MD in 1964. During his 31 year career at NSA, he evaluated the quality of mathematical algorithms, their implementation, integration and usage in information security systems designed to protect the most sensitive information owned by the US Government, our Allies and NATO member states.
He achieved the rank of Senior Technical Expert, equivalent to a Senior Executive, and held the position of Senior Scientist of the Information Security Standards and Evaluations Group. Bob was proud of his work and the people with whom he worked alongside. He cherished the memories of all he accomplished while working for the government.
He retired in 1996 and was named a Distinguished Member of the NSA Crypto-Mathematics Institute for achievements in the application of crypto-mathematical techniques to information security systems.
Following government retirement he continued work in the information security field as a consultant for Information Security Systems, Inc.
He is co-inventor of five US patents all dealing with algorithmic techniques to protect cellular communications.
He enjoyed model railroading and genealogy. Bob was a member of the Phoenix Society, the Genealogical Society, the Knights of Columbus, and was an active member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church where he served as a lector.
He will be sincerely missed by all of his family and friends.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 26th and Thursday, December 27th from 2-4 & 7-9PM at WITZKE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.; 5555 Twin Knolls Road; Columbia, MD 21045. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10AM, Friday, December 28th at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church at Wildelake Interfaith Center. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery; Hanover Township, PA at 12pm on Saturday, December 29th. For those desiring, memorial donations may be made to Esophageal Cancer Action Network; P.O. Box 243; Stevenson, Maryland 21153 or Little Sisters of the Poor; 601 Maiden Choice Lane; Catonsville, MD 21228.
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