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George R. Cotter, 96, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wendy. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Born on December 15, 1928, in Boston, MA, George was a man of unwavering dedication to his country. His service in the Navy during WWII and the Korean War was just the beginning.
After his time in the Navy, he channeled his commitment into a lifelong career at the National Security Agency (NSA). George's exceptional cryptologic service spanned more than half a century. He ultimately held senior positions in technical and management areas, including NSA Chief of Staff, Deputy Director for Telecommunications and Computer Services, Head of the Director's Senior Council, Chief Scientist, Director of Information Technology, and Chief Information Officer.
George was a pioneer in technical innovation. His work was instrumental in the NSA's adoption of high-performance computing, maintaining the Agency's edge over adversaries. His collaboration with commercial designers and Agency programmers was a testament to his innovative spirit. His influence extended beyond computing itself and into computer security. As the founding director of what became the National Computer Security Center, he pioneered solutions to many network issues. His expertise led many NSA directors to place him on high-level committees outside the NSA and assign him as a liaison to other government entities.
With an extraordinary range of representation, he profoundly influenced technical developments in the Intelligence Community, the Defense Department, and the whole government. George played a key role in preserving the NSA's lead in advanced computing and fielding a global cryptologic architecture that has positioned the NSA and its partners to operate successfully in cyberspace. George received the NSA Meritorious and Exceptional Service Award, the Presidential Rank, and the Defense Exceptional Service Award.
He was a Life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, and the Association of Old Crows. He was also the first NSA employee elected as a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He retired in 2009 with over 60 years of service. He was a member of the Phoenix Society. In September 2010, he received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award in the Intelligence Community.