News Summary
Charles Edward Cockrell, a revered NASA engineer and dedicated community leader, passed away at 82. His career spanned decades, during which he made significant contributions to aeronautics and community welfare. Cockrell’s legacy includes innovative projects at NASA and a commitment to mentoring future generations. A memorial service will honor his influential life and enduring impact.
Yorktown, VA
Charles Edward Cockrell, an esteemed NASA engineer and influential community leader, passed away at the age of 82 on July 24, 2025, at his residence in Yorktown, Virginia. Cockrell’s extensive career at NASA and dedication to community service left a significant impact on both his profession and the lives of many residents in the tristate area.
Born in Burgess, Virginia, Cockrell was the son of the late James T. and Gertrude F. Cockrell. He was married to Barbara Jane Moore for 58 years and is survived by a son, Charles E. Cockrell Jr. (Drew) from Newport News, a daughter, Suzanne Cockrell Giersch (Chris) from Virginia Beach, and three grandchildren, Matthew Cockrell, Megan Cockrell, and Adam Giersch. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert S. Cockrell and James Thomas Cockrell, Jr.
Educational and Military Background
Cockrell graduated from Hampton High School in 1960 before serving in the National Guard and Army. He later attended the NASA Apprentice School as a Sheetmetal Worker and advanced to become an Engineering Draftsman due to his exceptional skills. He balanced work with education, taking night classes at Christopher Newport and Old Dominion University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering and a Master of Engineering Management. Additionally, Cockrell received a fellowship from NASA to attend the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where he obtained a mid-career certificate in Public Administration. He also pursued further studies toward a Doctor of Engineering Management at Old Dominion University.
Career at NASA
During his illustrious career at NASA, Cockrell climbed the ranks from his beginnings as a Sheetmetal Worker to the position of Chief Engineer, ultimately retiring in 1999. He was instrumental in numerous aeronautics projects, contributing significantly to the establishment of the Risk Management Corporation and developing NASA’s Risk Management program. Cockrell’s innovative work earned him the NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal and the Vice-Presidential National Performance Review Hammer Award, among many other accolades, including Outstanding Performance Awards and Group Achievement Awards.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in various highly regarded projects, including the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) and the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD). Cockrell also authored several publications about Moon and Mars Transfer Vehicles and In-Space Infrastructure. After retiring from NASA, he continued to offer his expertise as a contractor for another 25 years, working closely with aerospace contractors on proposals and projects for NASA. He also developed and taught courses in Project Management and Risk Management at NASA Centers and served as a guest lecturer at the Joint Institute for the Advancement of Flight Sciences.
Community Involvement
Outside his professional commitments, Cockrell was an active member of his community. He served as President of the Hampton Roads Jaycees and held several leadership positions statewide, contributing to various community initiatives. He was recognized as the Peninsula’s Outstanding Young Leader and played a vital role on the United Way’s Planning and Research Division, where he focused on housing initiatives for lower-income individuals. His leadership in fundraising efforts to secure $200,000 for mobile cardiac units for the City of Hampton exemplified his dedication to community health and welfare.
Cockrell also shared his knowledge and experience with future generations as a mentor for the Virginia Governor’s School for the Gifted and an Adjunct Instructor at Old Dominion University. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing and officiating swim meets for his children and grandchildren, and he and his wife looked forward to their yearly cruises in the Caribbean and Panama Canal for over two decades.
Memorial Service
A memorial service for Charles Edward Cockrell is scheduled for Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Zion United Methodist Church in Seaford, Virginia. His legacy will be remembered not only through his substantial contributions to NASA and engineering but also through the lives he touched in his community.
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- Legacy.com: Charles Cockrell Obituary
- Wikipedia: NASA
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- Google Search: Charles Cockrell
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- Google Scholar: NASA Engineering
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Engineering Management
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- Google News: Charles Cockrell
