Obituary photo of Gregory+Carl Weber, Titusville-FL
In Loving Memory of

Gregory Carl Weber

1950 - 2014
Obituary photo of Gregory+Carl Weber, Titusville-FL
In Loving Memory of

Gregory Carl Weber

1950 - 2014

Services & Gatherings

Services & Gatherings

Service:
Private Service
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
2400 South Washington Avenue
Titusville, FL  32780
321-269-6000
Gregory Carl Weber, who spent his life conquering space, made his final journey into the heavens on Wednesday, July 9, enveloped in the warm embrace of his daughters. He was 64.

Greg was born in Long Beach, CA in 1950 to the late Donald R. Weber and Margaret R. Weber.

After his family relocated to Titusville in the early 60s, Greg met and married his beautiful and intelligent wife, Gerri Johnson. He later told their children, “Very few men in this world are as lucky as I was to be with such a special and stunning woman. Any qualities I had as a good parent came from watching her example.”

Greg spent a great deal of his youth tinkering with anything he could get his hands on…he was consumed with a need to figure out how things worked…especially cars. This, paired with a love for physics, led him to earn a degree in engineering from Florida Technological University (now UCF), a school from which both of his daughters are proud, second-generation alumni.

Greg, or “Grego,” as friends know him, spent his 34-year engineering career at Kennedy Space Center. Beginning his career in aerospace in 1977 was nothing short of perfect timing…it was an exciting time that allowed him to play an important role in the Space Shuttle program, from the very first launch until the last. During that time, Greg helped develop all major Shuttle checkout integrated procedures, (Launch Countdown procedure and Launch Pad Abort sequences). He also wrote and presented technical briefings to Shuttle crews before launch.

He was always aware of how lucky he was to get paid to do a job he loved. He took immense pride in knowing that, along with his colleagues, he had done something that would be viewed by future generations as a spectacular spacefaring milestone. He said, “A person is lucky if they get one opportunity to view something truly amazing in their lifetime. For us, it was and still is, the Space Shuttle.”

As glorious as the Space Shuttle program was, it was not without its tragedy; Greg lost friends who were astronauts aboard Challenger on January 28, 1986. He was also called upon to aid in the recovery of Columbia, which disintegrated over Texas in 2003.

In honor of his significant contributions to NASA’s manned spaceflight programs, Greg was presented with the coveted "Silver Snoopy" award in 1988. In 2011, he was named a “Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Legend,” an accolade bestowed only to those who continually served at KSC throughout the 30-year Space Shuttle program.

Upon the conclusion of the program’s final mission, marked by the landing of Atlantis on July 21, 2011, Greg retired. In his retirement, he gained immeasurable pleasure from his experience as a volunteer docent and NASA “Subject Matter Expert” at the KSC Visitor's Complex, where his vehicle, Space Shuttle Atlantis was retired and on display to the public. He enjoyed sharing the stories of his years with the fine ship and the astronauts who were lucky enough to fly aboard her, witnessing the emotion and awe that overcame visitors when they set eyes on Atlantis in her display and, most of all, he loved being mistaken for an astronaut. When visitors asked him how many times he flew the Shuttle, in true sarcastic Grego fashion, he answered, “About 40 missions or so — I lost count after my 25th flight.”

As much seriousness is required to pursue venturing into space, there is also a certain amount of levity required…and Greg brought it, in spades. After retiring, he loved meeting up with NASA colleagues and hearing how boring work had become without his humor to keep them entertained.

Greg loved Gator football, MOPAR, Cary Grant, The Simpsons, playing his guitar, rock n’ roll, art deco, and Miller Genuine Draft — not necessarily in that order.

He had a lifelong love affair with muscle cars, which led him to purchase a 1971 Dodge Challenger convertible, sight unseen, drive it 3,000 miles from California, rebuild the engine, and completely restore it to its former glory, when it appeared in several Hollywood productions, most notably the 1972 series Mod Squad.

He despised (in no particular order) cats, hypocrites, FOX News, gossips, Martha Stewart, and mushrooms.

Greg was a master of sarcasm, an excellent writer, and an enthralling storyteller. He cooked the most delicious enchiladas and prepared homemade subs that rival Publix’s. He excelled at living within his means and, apparently, compiling the largest collection of A/V cables, flashlights, and combs known to man.

Greg is survived by “my greatest achievement,” two adoring daughters, Rachel Weber of Dallas, and Darcie Weber Cornwell of Fort Worth; his son-in-law, Steve Cornwell, a “hard worker and a good man”; grandsons, Spencer and Harrison Cornwell, who are “healthy and strong … future Gators, I think”; sisters Terri, Nancy, and Cindy; brothers, Rick, Jay, and Don; many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Greg was preceded in death 11 years ago by his wife of 25 years, Gerri; his friend and brother, Steve; and his furry children (a.k.a. dogs) Maggie, Benji, and Phoebe, who he loved more than any human, as much for their unconditional love as for their lack of ability to talk back to him.

In accordance with Greg’s wishes, his family will have a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to aid in pancreatic cancer research at www.curepc.org.

His family also asks that you regale us with tales of adventures in “conquering space” alongside him, share your favorite Grego stories, or offer your condolences at www.newcomertitusville.com.

The family would also like to thank Space Coast Cancer Center (especially Dr. Sprawls and Katie Wilkerson NP), Stephen Lagergren, MD, and Vitas Hospice for providing wonderful care and expertise that allowed him to die peacefully and comfortably in his own home (especially Rhonda, Julie, and Terry).

Services & Gatherings

Services & Gatherings

Service:
Private Service
Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions
2400 South Washington Avenue
Titusville, FL  32780
321-269-6000

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