Nelson J. Groom, Sr., a native of Linden, died at his home unexpectedly April 28, 2009, at the age of 67. Funeral services were held May 4, 2009 with M. Lloyd Weaver, Jr., Jeffrey A. Deel and Eric Musser officiating. Burial followed in the Warwick River Mennonite Church Cemetery in Newport News, Virginia. Nelson moved to the Hampton, Virginia area in 1963 and began his career with NASA as an electronic engineer in control systems. He was one of the original developers of the left-ventricular heart pump engineered at University of Pittsburgh, retiring from NASA in 2001. In addition to his wife, Faith S. Groom, Mr. Groom is survived by two daughters, Kelly G. (Scott) Dumire and Sharon F. Groom; a son, Nelson J. Groom Jr.; his mother, Olivia D. Groom; a sister, Carol G. (Roger) Barber; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William F. Groom. Memorial contributions may be made in Nelson’s memory to: Huntington Mennonite Church, 785 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Virginia 23601.