Obituaries

Jerome FooterDentist, Golfer

Jerome Footer, 87, a dentist who practiced in Washington for 55 years and was a locally known amateur golfer, died July 17 at his home in Rockville. He had spinal stenosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Footer's practice on California Street included many ambassadors and government officials. He was a working dentist until just five years ago.

He was born in Baltimore and raised in Washington, where he graduated from Wilson High School. He graduated from Georgetown University's dental school and served in the Navy's Dental Corps during World War II.

He was a member of Washington Hebrew Congregation, a Reform synagogue. At Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, he was the club golf champion from 1951 to 1954. He regained the title in 1956 and also won golf titles in team competitions.

He was chairman of the Woodmont Golf Committee for many years and served on the club's board. He was also a former president of the District Golf Association and the Maryland Golf Association.

Survivors include his wife, Beverly L. Footer of Rockville; three children, Ellen Winston of Rockville, Dr. Robert Footer of Potomac and Jimmy Footer of Davie, Fla.; a brother; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

-- Patricia Sullivan

Richard Christopher ProtoNSA Analyst

Richard Christopher Proto, 68, a retired National Security Agency analyst, died July 27 of lung cancer at his home in Columbia.

Mr. Proto joined the NSA in 1964. Before his retirement in 1999, he received the Exceptional Civilian Service Award, National Intelligence Medal of Honor and Presidential Rank Award.

He continued to consult with the Defense Department and intelligence agencies until 2007.