Douglas George Rambo's Obituary
Douglas George Rambo, 65, of Leesburg Virginia passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023 after a two-year struggle with health issues.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary (DiFuria), his son Kenton and his granddaughter Avyanna of Lake Fredrick, VA, his daughter Elizabeth (fiancé Richard Alex Jensen) of Ashburn, VA and two brothers, Bryan (wife Judy) of Raleigh, NC and Robin (wife Maria) of Broadlands, VA.
Doug was born on January 25 1958 in West Chester, PA, the son of the late Margaret Jane and late Eli George Rambo. He graduated from Downingtown High School in 1975 and then attended West Chester University, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Doug’s professional career focused on the protection of our nation as he accepted a position with the Central Intelligence Agency and moved to Virginia in 1979. He quickly became the expert on using the newly emerging Digital Encryption Standard (DES) for securing communications systems. He was soon selected to join the new CIA Office where he worked to develop new and innovative satellite programs. In the mid 1980’s, Doug chose to eschew a managerial career in the government for a technically focused career in private industry. He joined Zeta Associates in 1986 as one of their first employees, where he remained until retirement in 2015. He traveled the world for a wide variety of clients, developing unique and creative solutions to securing communications systems. Doug was the expert in his field, highly respected by all who worked with him. His contributions have stood the test of time.
Doug was not only dedicated to the service of his country, he also was focused on the service to his county and community. He was an active member of the Alert Fire Company (Downingtown Fire Department) and a dispatcher for the Downingtown Police Department/Chester County Emergency Services before moving to Virginia. Doug joined the Sterling Park Volunteer Rescue Squad as an operational member in 1981. He rose through the ranks of Sterling Rescue to hold many operational and administrative positions. Doug served as President, Treasurer, Purchasing Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors for several terms. He was also the President of the Safety Center and was instrumental in the design and construction of Fire-Rescue Station 18/25 in Cascades. Doug was committed to the community, serving as the Chairman of the Loudoun County Fire Rescue Commission. He was the recipient of many prestigious awards, among them the Clark Deener Award and induction into the Loudoun County Fire- Rescue Hall of Fame.
After his retirement, Doug actively participated in the Association of Advancement of Science, helping Fairfax County teachers make science enjoyable for their students.
Doug was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Downingtown, PA before moving to Virginia where he joined the Christ the King Lutheran Church in Great Falls.
Memorial services will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Great Falls VA on March 11 2023. A visitation will be held at 10:00am prior to the service that will begin at 11:00am. Interment will be private.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Loudoun Funeral Chapel and Crema-tory, Leesburg, VA (https://www.loudounfuneralchapel.com).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, Sterling, VA (www.sterlingrescue.org/donate) or Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA (https://www.gflutheran.org).
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