John W. Gerdelman passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at his home in Williamsburg following a courageous battle with ALS. John was surrounded by his wife Sue, his children and their families over the Christmas holiday. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, accomplished business executive, telecommunications entrepreneur, naval aviator and friend to many.
A 1975 graduate of the College of William & Mary, John was a three-year football letterman and 1974 Academic All-American. John married his college sweetheart Sue Hanna following her graduation. Commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1976, he earned his aviator wings and flew the EA-6B Prowler carrier-based electronic warfare jet on active duty for six years.
John was a successful business executive and entrepreneur. He was an early adopter of telecommunication technology and internet services that led to a number of leadership roles in the industry. John’s business career began with Baxter-Travenol, where he gained a reputation as a leader in innovative uses of technology. He was president of Pioneer TeleTechnologies/MCI Services, and later, networkMCI, a world class telemarketing, sales and service company. He served as president and CEO of USA.NET; managing member of an initial stage investment fund for technology ventures; founded Intelliden in 2000 and served as executive chairman until 2010; and president of Long Lines, a Midwest private telecommunications company sold in 2015.
Following his corporate career, he became an investor in technology companies, start-ups and was a turn-around specialist for technology businesses. John served on many corporate boards, including Brocade, Owens & Minor and Local Voice.
John was passionate about his alma mater and gave his time, talent and treasure to William & Mary. He served two terms on the Board of Visitors, he was chair of the William & Mary Foundation, chair of the Real Estate Foundation Board and a member of the Tribe Club Board. John received the Alumni Medallion in 2005, the highest alumni honor bestowed by the University. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. John’s favorite role at William & Mary was as a fan, proudly wearing green and gold to cheer on the Tribe at every opportunity.
John was an avid outdoorsman, golfer and was happiest when working at Pigs Point, his timber farm on the Chickahominy River in Charles City County. Pigs Point was his playground; he created a place for family and friends to gather, share a glass of wine and relax. He was most at home working the grounds, tending his garden and crabbing on the river.
John was a loving husband, proud father and playful grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sue Hanna Gerdelman; son, Mark Gerdelman (Rebecca), and their son, Benjamin; daughter, Emily Ridjaneck (Matthew), and their sons, Ryland and Cooper; sisters, Donna Nawrocki (Franklin) and Janet Marchetta (Charles); and nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Ward Gerdelman.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Bucktrout Funeral Home, Williamsburg. A funeral service and reception will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg. John will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in the William & Mary Memorial Garden.
Donations may be made in John’s memory to the John W. Gerdelman Scholarship Endowment, the College of William & Mary, Gift Accounting, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Please make checks payable to the William & Mary Foundation.
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
