Charles David Grojean

Charles D. Grojean, died in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on December 8, 2008. He died with the same honor and dignity that he had lived his life, reminding us all of his unwavering spirit and endless courage.

Chuck's strength of character and remarkable fortitude carried him through his life and contributed to his many accomplishments.Born in 1923, he set course at an early age to pursue his dream of being a naval officer.

After attending Virginia Military Institute for a year, he entered the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1945. It was there that he met and married Joanie Stewart, his loving wife of 63 years.

Their four children remained by their father's side throughout his illness and are testimony to his remarkable life and of the love he gave his family and community.

His military service was further distinguished in 1958 when he was selected to enter the navy's submarine nuclear power program on the staff of Admiral Rickover.

Chuck commanded two nuclear powered submarines, eventually becoming Commander of the Submarine Force in the Mediterranean from 1969 -1971. His shore assignments included duty on the staffs of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Chief of Naval Operations where he served as the Director of Political Military Affairs.

He retired from active duty as a Rear Admiral in 1975 and relocated to San Antonio in 1976 where he was a venture capital investor and partner in the firm of Southwest Venture Partnerships.

In 1987, he joined his son, Peter, and formed Admiralty Management Company and engaged in a number of entrepreneurial businesses.

In 1990, he embarked on another immensely rewarding mission as Executive Director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation in Fredericksburg, TX which provides support to the National Museum of the Pacific War.

While in this capacity, he endeavored to raise the nation's awareness of the sacrifices of those who served in WW II and to teach the younger generations the vital lessons of that war. Chuck remained devoted to this work until the final days of his death.

His love of his country, his family, and his fellow man, made Chuck an inspiration to many and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Joanie; his two sons, David Boulder, CO and Peter San Antonio; his two daughters, Charlotte Boulder, CO and Peggy Kansas City; his eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild; and his brother, Joe Grojean Jacksonville, IL.

Memorial services will be held at the McNay Art Museum, Leeper Auditorium in San Antonio, TX on Friday, Jan 2, 2009, at 11:00 am.

There will also be services held for Admiral Grojean at The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, TX, on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009

at 2:00 PM.