Join AFIO Member Login
You are logged in as Logout DONATE
John A. Lauder of Oakton, Virginia passed away on the morning of July 20, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Susan M. Lauder, his three children: Kristen (Peter), David (Michelle), and Jonathan (Dana), his cherished grandchildren (Abigail and Jacqueline), and his several much-loved grand dogs.
Born in Sandusky Ohio in 1946, John graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hiram College and earned an M.A. in International Relations from Yale. He devoted his professional life to public service retiring with over 33 years of leadership, analysis, and policy experience with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and as an arms control negotiator. As part of his government career, he was stationed in Vienna, Austria for four years as a negotiator with MBFR (Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions). In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the United States Intelligence Community, John was awarded the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the NRO Gold Medal, and the Director of Central Intelligence’s Award. Moreover, he was a treasured colleague known for his keen insights, unfailing optimism, and ever-present radiant smile.
Upon retirement, John continued to work on shaping research and strategic planning in the public and private sectors, including as a member of government, academic, laboratory, and nonprofit advisory panels. He helped lead influential studies to improve intelligence on weapons of mass destruction and to facilitate verification of international agreements. John remained deeply committed to his alma matter, Hiram College, where he was proud to be one of the founders of the Garfield Center for Public Leadership.
Nothing, however, brought him more joy than his family. He loved to travel the world with Susan visiting historical sites, sampling local cuisine, and exploring new cultures. John cherished his time with his amazing children and grandchildren and was always up for an ice cream outing. He loved a good “road trip” with family and spent many summer days setting up a “base camp” at the Outer Banks. This last summer, his granddaughters brought the vacation vibes to Oakton and decorated his house with a beach theme – a fitting tribute to a man who often joked that he was not retired, but simply serving as a professional granddad.
Although John will be deeply missed, his legacy of service to his country and devotion to family will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege to call him husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and friend. He was a great American.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Tower Club in Tysons Corner on September 13 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garfield Center for Public Leadership at Hiram College https://www.hiram.edu/academics/centers-of-distinction/the-garfield-center-for-public-leadership/, the World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/, or to Doctors Without Borders https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org.