Russel Marvin Vorce

Russ (Russel M.) Vorce of Coronado, CA, passed away on December 11th, 2022, at the age of 84. He was born on February 21st, 1938, in Ludington, MI, where he grew up on the shore of Lake Michigan. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1956. He completed his B.S. degree at National University.

Russ attended Navy boot camp in 1956 at Great Lakes, and was his unit’s Company Commander. He served at Barber’s Point, HI, flying on the AEWBARRONPAC “Willy Victors” on a route from Midway Island circling around the Aleutians. While in Hawaii, he met Nancy Kueper, the love of his life, where they had an amazing courtship, culminating in their marriage in St. Louis, MO, in 1960. He attended Air Traffic Control school and was assigned to duty at North Island NAS, CA control tower. They lived in Coronado, CA, where their first two children, Rusty and Susan were born. His next assignment was at Atsugi, Japan, and their son Jeff arrived while they lived in Yokohama. There were several years when Russ attended or taught AC or CATCC classes. Russ served on the USS F.D. Roosevelt, and on the USS Ranger. His final Navy assignment was at NPRDC (Naval Personnel and Development Center) in San Diego. Following retirement in 1986, Russ started his civil service career at NPRDC and then SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Center), working Program Manager of the Navy Science Assistance Program (NSAP), then becoming Deputy Director of the program at the Office of Naval Research where he received the Navy Superior Civilian Service award in 1996. He retired in 1999 from SPAWARSYSCEN as Deputy Executive Director, Science, Technology and Engineering Operations.

Russ was a long time member of Sacred Heart parish in Coronado, CA, and the Navy Chapel at NAS North Island. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Organization, Sea and Air Men’s Golf Club, the Coronado Tennis Association and was a past president of the Coronado 20/30 Club. His passion was his children and grandchildren, who called him “Opa”. He not only read to them but created stories for each of them and drew illustrated books for each, giving them special super-hero names. He taught everyone to swim, having been a lifeguard on Lake Michigan, and then to body-surf; his technique was unmatched. Finally, he was renowned for his jokes and story-telling, with the nickname of “the Velvet Samurai”. He was also known to instigate singing old songs in mediocre harmony at bonfires or other gatherings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel L. and M. Catalina, his brother Jacques, Sister Jeanne and her husband Roger.

He is survived by Nancy, his wife of 62 years, son Rusty (Sarah), daughter Susan (Tom) and son Jeff (Gina), as well as his older sister Weedie (Louise Thomsen) and his grandchildren Megan and Hollie Vorce, Matt and Joey Gill, and Jeorge Vorce.

The family would like to thank the Fredericka Manor nursing staff, and the Advantage Hospice team for the care and compassion they showed to Russ in his final days. His wish was their command, including a steady supply of ice cream.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Coronado, CA, on Friday, January 6th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held following Mass at the Sacred Heart parish center from 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Interment will be at a later date at the Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the charity of your choice.