Terry Albert Luallin

May 9, 1940 - January 6, 2023

SAN DIEGO —

We are sad to report the passing of Terry Albert Luallin, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend on January 6, 2023. Terry was born at Mercy Hospital to Albert Leon Luallin and Nona Mae (Rothenbach) Luallin and was a lifelong resident of San Diego. As a child, Terry lived in Ocean Beach where he attended OB elementary, Dana Junior High and Point Loma High School.

As a college student majoring in Physics at San Diego State College (now University) he secured a position with the Arctic Submarine Laboratory at the end of Point Loma. As an integral member of the ASL team, Terry developed and installed the inertial navigation system on submarines heading to the Arctic. For most of his career at the Arctic Submarine Laboratory, Terry would deploy with submarines bound for the Arctic and train their navigators on how to find their way stealthily under the polar cap. During his tenure with the Laboratory and in recognition of his crucial instrument development, Terry was awarded several awards, including the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award.

While at SDSU, Terry met his wife, Meryl, and they settled down at the north end of Point Loma. Terry was proud to say that in his 35-year career at ASL, he never had to commute farther than eight miles round trip! During their 58 years of marriage, Terry and Meryl traveled extensively through Europe, the Middle East and the along the Silk Road (countries also known as the “Stans.”)

Terry was a unique individual. Because of his multi-faceted talents as a Physicist and Engineer, he could fix anything. During their long years of marriage, Meryl never had to call a repairman for any household challenge! Terry’s motto was, “I can fix anything; the impossible takes a little longer.”

Terry is survived by his wife Meryl, daughter Robin (Mcclain), son, Michael, grandchildren Michael Luallin, Jr, Karina (Wallace-burks), sister Linda (Levorchick) and niece and nephew Gregory and Tanya Levorchick.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 18th at the Luallin’s home.

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