John Dassoulas

John Dassoulas, a gifted physicist and pianist, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, just days before his 99th birthday. Born on November 30, 1926, in Washington, DC, John served his country in World War II as a communications specialist in the Army Air Corps and subsequently attended American University as a student athlete, double majoring in Physics and Music while also running track. While there, he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Adelle Dassoulas (nee Feller) who preceded him in death in the year 2000.

John was a pioneer in the American space program at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and led many successful programs including DODGE (first color pictures of Earth), TRANSIT (the predecessor to modern day GPS), Delta 180-181 (President Reagan’s Star Wars programs to prove capability for missile defense and end the Cold War). He taught space systems courses as a visiting professor at the US Naval Academy and the Johns Hopkins School of Engineering. He also earned patents and recognition for multiple innovations including the first use of nuclear power in space flight. 

He spent many hours honing his musical talents on the piano and enjoyed sharing these by performing either solo or with string and woodwind accompaniment. 

Together with Adelle, John raised four sons: John, Mark (Diane), David (Rebecca), and Stephen (Amy).

He was blessed with eight grandchildren: Dan (Meredith), Kas (Scott), Stefhan (Hayley), Joe, Jonathan (Melissa), Julia (Sean), Ellie, AnnaJane, and seven great grandchildren.

After retiring from the space industry at age 70, he earned his private pilot license, continued to perform at public and private venues and volunteered as a docent at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum into his 90s. He spent his later years traveling abroad and attending musical and cultural events throughout the DC area with his beloved companion Judith Ramage.

A private memorial will be held at his request.

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