April 6, 1946 - February 7, 2018
Albert John De Grasse IV
"Chip"
Devoted Husband and Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. He was born on April 6, 1946 – Twin #1. He went home to be with the Lord on February 7, 2018.
Chip leaves behind his wife Kathy L. DeGrasse (Nee Rodgers) and children J. Todd R. DeGrasse and wife Joy, Alaina Nicole DeGrasse-Ouvier and husband Arnaud, Lynsey Jaunee' DeGrasse-Weber and husband Matthew, and T. Ryan R. DeGrasse and wife Brandy. Sixteen Grandchildren and two Great Grandchildren. His Twin Sister Penny Jones, sister Maria Elena Fox and sister-in-law Marlene Rodgers. He was preceded in death by three predeceased sons, Brett R. DeGrasse, T. Quinn DeGrasse and infant son. He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law Janet Rodgers Lindsley and brother-in-law Rodger Lindsley.
Chip, The love of my youth "THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AN ETERNAL LOVE FOREVER; My precious chip. Words cannot express what you meant to our family-your strength, your wisdom, your tenacity, honesty, your guidance, you were never without wanting to help others, listening and giving money to strangers in need and supporting missionaries. A gift God gave you.
Chews United Methodist Church was a big undertaking when God touched your heart to be the general contractor to build a new addition, in between the existing two buildings on either side of original building. The men of the church came together. Friendships became deeper and new ones were formed-God chose you for your leadership skills. Another gift from God was starting the bus service up, to bring others to Sunday school and church service. You were the first to get the licensure you needed for driving the bus, your enthusiasm was always present in everything you did, and you were a great negotiator and knew how to listen and solve issues, a plus in any situation.
The children were taught and guided well, you loved us all-you were the Patriarch of our family. You will be spoken about for years to come, always with love and admiration and so proudly.
I loved your mind... So intelligent, you made me feel safe and secure, you calmed me within, we were a team balancing our act. Thank you Chip-even when you were away on business, your hand was also still on the pulse at home. I gave you my respect as the children did as well, you so deserved it. We have been blessed and God blessed us with you. You were a special gift, God gave you many talents, your humor and your own coined phrases will always make us laugh;
"Did I see your name on the deed of this house"
Referring to money- "We will put the money in buckets, different buckets"
"Work within the bands"
"Microdetail-pay attention to details"
Referring to our children and Grandchildren snapping his fingers- "I need a unit now"
"Report!!!"
"Think outside the box"
"We need to calibrate"
"Bouffant"
Every knee shall bow every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord
Philippians 2:10-11
Heaven will be our next meeting place, and I will love you forever.
Some of the accomplishments for Chip DeGrasse included, serving onboard the Nuclear Ballistic Missile submarine (Ethan Allen SSBN-608) gold crew. Chip went on to qualify in submarines awarding him his submarine warfare pin (dolphins), to include the "boomer pin" for the multiple patrols during the cold war timeframe in which he served (1964-1972) and received a certificate of recognition from the Secretary of Defense. Additional accomplishments received on board the boat included being qualified Engineroom Watch Supervisor, and Sailor of the year, which led to receiving good conduct medals.
After the Navy Nuclear Submarine Service, Chip went on to attend Drexel University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for his education, landing a job at Catalytic Engineering Firm in Philadelphia, PA. Chip went on to work at the nuclear power plant (Palo Verde) for Combustion Engineering in Arizona. Chip and family transferred to Alabama, working for ABB in the Tennessee Valley Authority. Chip and family once again transferred, moving to Florida where he became Resident Site Manager for Port St. Lucie Nuclear Plant, and Turkey Point Nuclear Plant. Prior to Retirement Chip finished a final project working at the San Onofre Power Plant in California. Ultimately, he retired after 45+ years of service in the Nuclear Power Industry, where he spent countless hours with his children and grandchildren.
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