John Thomas Dalton, 60, of Hollywood, MD passed away at his home on March 4, 2009 and is now at peace.

Born January 3, 1949 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Roy Dalton and Wilma Magney Dalton.

John was the most patient person who was always good for a witty joke and ready to lend a loving hand. He retired from NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center as Deputy Director of Space Science Exploration Directorate. He received the Meritorious Executive Award in the Senior Executive Service by the President of the United States in 2003. He never passed up an opportunity to travel with friends and family and had a passion for boating and skiing. John enjoyed every moment of life and always caught the last ski run of the day.

His zest for life and adventure lives on through his best friend and wife, Joan Tippett Dalton, son, Tom and daughter-in-law Holly, and two grandsons, Flynn and Blake. "Pops" always lit up when he saw his two grandsons. He left us in body, but his spirit will live on in us every day of our lives. We love you "Pops"!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 43927 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636. Rev. Ray Schmidt will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.