TAPS

The Honorable Donald William de Cordova (retired), 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 10, 2025.

“The Judge,” as he was affectionately known by his friends and colleagues, was a distinguished jurist, who served on the Superior Court of New Jersey for over two decades, in addition to having a career in private practice and arbitration. He was also a devoted family man, friend and community member who lived a full life and made a significant impact on the many lives he met along the way.

Alden “Al” Sprague died peacefully on October 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Al was one of NIP New York Chapter’s proudest and most dedicated members of the Navy, NRID 3-1 and NIP.  He could always be expected at every one of the chapter’s functions and was the proud custodian of their copy of VADM Milton Miles' "What the Hell" pennant until it was turned over to the custody of the Naval History and Heritage Command.

James "Jim" Law, age 86, died peacefully in his sleep on 19 September 2025. He was born 26 November 1938 in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the eldest son of the late Ruth F. and James P. Law.

Hank Orejuela passed away on 12 September 2025 in Reston, Virginia, after several years dealing with the effects of COVID in 2022 and a brief illness while spending the summer in Reston, Virginia. He served in the Navy as cryptologist from 1962 to 1985. His duty stations include NSGA Fort Meade, Commander, Sixth Fleet, and Headquarters Navy Security Group in Washington, D.C. He was the commanding officer of NSGA Misawa from 1981-84 and the Assistant Chief of Staff for CINCLANTFLT from 1984-5.

Rear Admiral (ret) Joseph David Burns passed away on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at age 78.

Commander (Ret) Trentwell “Pete” White Jr., passed on 25 August 2025 at 93. Pete was one of the six founding members and first directors of NIP, and served as the organization's first secretary/treasurer. His participation in founding NIP was one of his proudest achievements. 

Dan was born on 15 August 1958 in Van Nuys, California to Bonnie Konantz and Douglas Cole. He graduated from Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17.

The members of the NIP’s New York Chapter regret to advise that their shipmate, Commander Charles “Chuck” E. Johnson, III, of Holmdel, New Jersey, passed away on 31 July 2025.

Alex Butterfield, a retired Naval Intelligence officer and former commander of ONI, passed away on 19 July 2025.

Rear Admiral Bruce Allen Black, U.S. Navy (Retired), passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and children on 8 July 2025. His last assignment in the Navy was as the Commander, Naval Reserve Intelligence Command from 1992 to 1996.

RADM Dickey passed away on 7 May 2025 at the age of 91. He was the first commander of the Naval Reserve Intelligence Command when it was established.

Effie Renee Petrie, a retired Naval Intelligence officer, of Woodstock, Georgia passed away peacefully at age 58 on June 28, 2025.