Classmates, friends, and family,
As your class scribe, it is with a heavy heart I tell you of the death of our ’78 brother, 30th Company’s Christopher J. “Jeff” Grogan. Jeff passed away suddenly on Friday, November 26th, of a major cardiac event at his home in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife, Kenyon(Kennie), and daughters Alison and Katherine ( Katie).
After graduation, Jeff was a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) and served aboard the USS HENRY B. WILSON (DDG-7). He served with distinction in many positions, including his afloat Destroyer Squadron staff. He was an innovator in ASW tactics and taught at the Surface Warfare School in Newport ,RI. When he left active duty, he went on to a highly successful career as a consultant and C-Level advisor. Jeff loved the Navy and the Naval Academy. He was a strong, ethical, leader and wonderful, loyal friend and classmate.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Services for Jeff will be held on Saturday, December 11th, at the Wellesley Village Congregational Church located at 2 Central Street, Wellesley MA 02482. It begins at 11 AM. Attendance is expected to be exceptionally large, and it’s highly recommended you arrive early. If you are unable to attend, this Celebration of Life will be streamed live from the church. When I have the link, I will send it to everyone.
Following the Celebration of Life, a graveside burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, 148 Brook Street, Wellesley MA 02482. A detail from “Old Ironsides”, USS CONSTITUTION, will be the Honor Guard and render full military honors.
After the graveside services there will be a reception at the Weston Golf Club, 275 Meadowbrook Road, Weston MA 02493. Weston is a small town and a short distant adjacent to Wellesley. All are welcome and a very large group also is expected to attend.
A Memorial Scholarship Fund in Jeff’s name has been established through the Naval Academy Foundation. The C. Jeffrey Grogan Memorial Fund supports the Naval Academy Foundation Athletics & Scholarship Programs (A&SP). Specifically, it will provide tuition assistance to Naval Academy applicants selected to attend a year at one of the many preparatory schools USNA uses in addition to NAPS. Your contributions are welcomed. Currently, there are three ways to give:
- By phone: Call the Naval Academy Foundation A&SP Office at 410-295-4115 and state your desire to contribute to the C. Jeffrey Grogan Memorial Fund. They will help you do it.
- Online: Go to USNA.com and follow the instructions on giving- but make sure you specify your contribution is to the C. Jeffrey Grogan Memorial Fund.
- By mail: Send your contribution to Naval Academy Foundation, 274 Wood Road, Annapolis MD 21402, Attention: Liz Root, Director Gift Administration. Please note in your cover letter/note or the memo line of a check that your contribution is to the C. Jeffrey Grogan Memorial Fund.
Efforts are underway to explore with the Naval Academy Foundation on establishing in the future a VENMO account or other similar modern approach to help make giving easier.
Please keep Kennie and her daughters in your thoughts and prayers. Try to remember all the good, fun, and happy memories you have of Jeff. He would have wanted you to celebrate his life and not mourn his death. I know it’s hard but, like you, I will try my best.
Launchin’ Spot Four with the “Sky Pilot” aboard,
Vince