John Allan Nuernberger

John Nuernberger, Captain, USN (Ret) passed away on Daniel Island, SC, on September 12, 2023, after a rich life of service and accomplishment spanning 80 years. John died of complications related to Multiple Myeloma and was in his home surrounded by his family, including Sue, his wife of 57 years. 

John grew up in Chambersburg, PA, raised by his late parents Louise and Eldon Nuernberger, with his siblings Mary, Jerry, and Laurie. He attended Chambersburg High School and then Mercersburg Academy where he graduated in 1960. John's interests as a child included Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He ran track and cross country in high school, which led to a lifelong passion for running and fitness. John was out there running for pleasure long before it was fashionable.

John attended the US Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1964 and then went on to have a 30 year career as a submariner in the US Navy. He served aboard 5 different submarines, and in 1980 he was given command of the USS Henry Clay. After that command, John's Naval career continued with various shore commands including command of the newly operational Kings Bay Submarine Base in St Marys, Georgia. He retired from the Navy in 1994 and began a second career in the civilian nuclear power industry working for Commonwealth Edison in the Chicago area.

John's naval deployments led John and Sue to put down roots in many interesting places on both coasts as well as in Hawaii and Naples, Italy. Since retirement in 2001, John and Sue have lived on Daniel Island. John was a loving husband, devoted father, and a generous friend to many during his lifetime. 

In retirement, John put his energy and countless hours into community service. He became very involved in Habitat for Humanity, serving as chairman of the board for East Cooper Habitat for Humanity as well as the East Cooper Home Store. Through his church, Mt Pleasant Presbyterian, John was also very involved with local and global mission work and travelled to Honduras on several mission trips. And John participated in the Reading Partners organization where he tutored children weekly for several years.

John is survived by his wife Sue, his 3 children Lisa (Eric), Emily (Greg), and Doug (Sloan), and 8 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Anna Scott, Sarah, Corbin, Sean, Silas, Jack and Bo.

John's memorial service will be held at St Andrew's Anglican Church in Mt Pleasant at 11am on September 23, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please donate to and support your local Habitat for Humanity.