Jon Joseph Doudera passed away peacefully on December 11, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey on April 1, 1952, and grew up in nearby Glen Rock. From an early age, he loved tinkering with engines, and as an adult enjoyed maintaining and driving his antique cars.

He joined the Navy in 1970 and served his country in various parts of the world. While stationed in Japan and Spain, he discovered his love of flying and became a private pilot. Twenty-six years after enlisting, Jon retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Not one to remain idle, he went to work for the City of Norfolk in the Facility Maintenance Department.

Jon enjoyed Spanish wine, brandy, and espresso, and loved his wife, family and friends, as well as his two Chihuahuas. He made a mean paella, and was known for his dry sense of humor, a quality he kept until the day he died.

Jon leaves behind his wife Tasha of Norfolk; son Brian Doudera of Imperial Beach, CA, and his wife Lisa and daughter Mia; daughter Erika D’Amato of Chicago, her husband Joe, and their children Noa and Joseph; parents Gloria and Arthur Doudera of Camden, Maine; and brother Edward Doudera, wife Vicki, and children Matthew, Nathan, and Alexandra, also of Camden, Maine.

A gathering in Norfolk to celebrate Jon’s life is planned for January of 2018; a second will take place in April in Maine.