Frank D. McCluer, NASA retiree
Frank D. McCluer, 88, of Eagle, Colo., died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in a Denver hospital after contracting pneumonia and suffering complications. Frank is survived by his daughter, Margaret A. Makowski and her husband Joseph Makowski Jr.; his son, Frank D. McCluer IV; and four grandchildren, Christine Gresty, and Miranda, Joe III and Christian Makowski. He was also a great-grandfather to Liam Gresty.
Franks was born in Warren, Ohio, July 30, 1936, to his parents Frank D. McCluer Jr. and Julia V. Curtis McCluer. He lived in Warren until attending and graduating from John Carroll University in Ohio in 1958. Then, he moved to the Washington, D.C. area to work for the Naval Research Lab. In 1960, he joined NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, as an electrical engineer. Among the projects and missions he assisted with were Apollo and the Space Shuttle.
After retiring from NASA in 1997, he purchased a home in Vail, Colo., to follow his passion for skiing. He and his life partner, Elaine Kuntz, became members of the Vail Club 50 and enjoyed many sporting and social events with them.
A springtime celebration of life will be in Dewey Beach. He purchased a home there in 1980, where his entire family, and many friends, spent many memorable times together.
Contributions in Frank’s name can be made to Habitat for Humanity; he was a longtime supporter.
