Richard J. Linn, Jr. (Jerry)

May 16, 1941 – December 7, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Richard J. Linn, Jr. (Jerry), 83, of Damascus, Maryland, on December 7, 2024. We celebrate that Jerry is pain-free and at peace after a decade-long, hard-fought battle with thyroid cancer.

Jerry was born on May 16, 1941, in Jamestown, North Dakota. He was the firstborn to Richard J. Linn, Sr. (Dick) and Dorothy (Newell) Linn. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat); his children, Kristi (Linn) Williams (husband Rob Williams) and Erik Linn; his grandchildren, Madison (Maddie) and Sarah Williams, and Adam, Caleb, and Ethan Linn; and his five siblings, Don (Marilyn), Tim, Mary Pat, Mike (Teri), and Kathy (Clark). Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Dick and Dorothy Linn.

After serving in the army, an employment opportunity brought Jerry to Washington, D.C., where he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Anne Lathrop, whom he married on September 7, 1968. Jerry’s academic pursuits led them to Blacksburg, Virginia, where they built a life and were blessed with two children, Kristine Marie and Erik Jerome Linn.

While in Blacksburg, Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Forestry and a Master of Science in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering from Virginia Tech. While pursuing his degrees, Jerry was also on staff with the Virginia Tech Computing Center, where he advanced to Senior Systems Engineer.

In 1982, Jerry relocated his family to Damascus, Maryland to further his career in technology at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). One of Jerry’s many professional accomplishments was being selected to serve for a year as a Science Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives “Science and Technology Committee”. During his distinguished career at NIST, Jerry traveled internationally and received multiple honors, awards, and promotions. He rose to Associate Director, becoming part of the Senior Executive Service.

After retiring from 20 years of dedicated federal service, Jerry devoted much time and energy to serving his faith community. He held several leadership roles at St. Paul Catholic Church, to include establishing and facilitating a 15+ year prayer and healing ministry, where alongside his wife, Pat, he had the privilege of praying with and for many.

Jerry’s diverse skill set extended far beyond technology. He was a jack-of-all-trades and an expert in many, which he put to good use during retirement. Jerry undertook various construction projects at the home he shared with Pat. He also proudly restored two early 1940s pickup trucks. Despite battling cancer, even into his early 80s, Jerry displayed the strength and tenacity of a much younger, healthier man.

Jerry was proud of his adult children’s achievements and experienced joy witnessing his five grandchildren transition into young adulthood. He was blessed to grow old alongside his beloved wife of 56 years, Pat.

The family will host a visitation on December 20, 2024, at 10 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9240 Damascus Rd., Damascus, MD 20872.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity Jerry passionately supported: Habitat For Humanity or Doctors Without Borders.

Jerry’s legacy of faith, service, and generosity will continue to live on through his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

Online condolences may be shared with her family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com