Dr. Larry A. Viterna's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Dr. Larry A. Viterna
November 6, 1955 – October 12, 2025
Dr. Larry A. Viterna, 69, of Vermillion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with colon cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Hart, Michigan, on November 6, 1955, to Roy and Esther Viterna, Larry grew up with an endless curiosity and a natural gift for invention. That spark carried him through an extraordinary life devoted to innovation, clean energy, and the betterment of others.
Larry spent 34 years with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, serving in a range of roles including lead engineer, Division Chief of the Commercial Technology Program, and business development leader. During his time at NASA, he was part of the pioneering team that developed the world’s first multi-megawatt wind turbines and made major advancements in space station power systems, helping design and improve systems that provided reliable energy for spacecraft and exploration missions. He also led early work on hybrid electric bus systems, helping to advance cleaner transportation technologies that reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Larry led aerodynamic research and development, supported structural design, and conducted field testing, work that paved the way for modern wind energy technology.
His groundbreaking Viterna Method, first published in the early 1980s, endures as one of the most influential aerodynamic models in the field, used globally to maximize turbine blade efficiency and improve structural calculations for wind turbines, helicopters, drones, underwater turbines, and even exploratory planetary drones.
Larry co-founded Nautica Windpower in 2007 and served as Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, working alongside his beloved wife Karen, who serves as President and CEO. Together, they dedicated themselves to developing advanced technologies for the future of offshore wind energy. Under Larry’s technical leadership, Nautica patented a new class of floating wind turbine, known as SEALIFT, designed to generate affordable electricity in a sustainable manner by reducing weight and complexities to benefit both costs and the lives of future generations. His pioneering contributions are recognized by the Oceantic Network, which bestows the Viterna Award for Engineering Excellence annually in his honor, an accolade he accepted with deep humility.
Yet for all his professional achievements, Larry’s greatest pride and joy were found at home. He was the devoted husband of Karen, loving father to Jason Viterna, Jamie (Andrew) Skreen, Veronica (Brian) Seman, John (Alexis) Grasse, and Hillary (Troy) Grasse, and a joyful grandfather to Jack Skreen, Amelia Skreen, Teagan Seman, Lincoln Grasse, Kazley Fisher, Kayden Fisher, each of whom brought him immeasurable happiness. He is survived by brothers Mike (Betty) Viterna, Bill (Pam) Viterna, many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he cherished deeply.
Larry will be remembered for his selflessness, humor, humility, and unwavering support for those he loved. Truly a “big kid at heart,” he approached every challenge with optimism and determination, lifting up everyone around him. He was a mentor, inventor, and friend whose legacy will live on in both the technologies he created and the lives he touched.
Visitation is Friday November 7, 2025, from 10 AM – 2 PM at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070, where the funeral service will follow at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Colon Cancer Coalition. Colon cancer Coalition is dedicated to raising screening rates and research for a cure.
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