John (Jack) Henry Grovatt, age 77, AFCM U.S. Navy Retired, was “piped over the side for the final time on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as he transferred from this earthly life to his eternal home with his Savior.

The youngest of three sons, Jack was born on January 17, 1947, in Mount Holly NJ. His parents, Edward Friend and Dorothy (Burley) Grovatt, brothers Edward R Grovatt and Charles B Grovatt, and grandson, Kelly C Snider preceded him in death.

Jack joined the US Navy in August 1966, retiring in 1991 as a Master Chief Petty Officer, the Navy’s highest enlisted rank. During his nearly 25-year Naval Career, Jack traveled extensively, being stationed throughout the US and abroad for duty including San Diego CA, NATTC Memphis, TN, VAH-123 NAS Whidbey Island, WA, VQ-1 Atsugi, Japan, NAS Lakehurst, NJ, VA-35, NAMJD 1003, VA-85, VA-42 all at NAS Oceana, VA and the Senior Enlisted Academy, Newport, RI. Serving the air wings aboard aircraft carriers including the USS Forrestal and USS Nimitz, Jack deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, visiting ports of call in Spain, Italy, France, Israel, Egypt, Haiti, and Japan.

Jack earned many ribbons, awards, and medals during his Naval career, including the highly esteemed Navy Commendation Medal for heroic service.

After his Navy retirement, Jack received his A&P Mechanics License and taught the subject at Tidewater Technical College in Norfolk, VA. He continued his career in aircraft maintenance and management in various civilian jobs including Dowty Aerospace, Sterling, VA, American Airlines, Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk, VA, and The US Coast Guard Base, Elizabeth City, NC. He acquired an ASE Certification as well.

In 1997 at age 50, Jack graduated from St Leo University with a BS in Business Administration, proudly standing beside two of his children also receiving degrees and/or diplomas that year.

Over the years Jack served his Lord well. For him it was living out his faith and sharing it with others. He taught Bible studies, adult Sunday School Classes, and Navigator Groups in Virginia Beach and Florida. He was known as a very friendly man who never met a stranger. He was often the first person to welcome newcomers to the neighborhood, church, etc. He was truly a “Jack of all Trades” with a servant’s heart who would do whatever was needed, not afraid to tackle something new.

Notwithstanding all his accomplishments, Jack’s greatest source of joy and love was for his family, whom he prayed for every day. He was married 55+ years to his childhood sweetheart, Irene Linda Curlis, whom he met when they were 14 years old! Together they raised two daughters and two sons, Jennifer Grovatt of Nashville, TN, Amy (Chris) Snider of Winchester, VA, Darren (Katie) Grovatt of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Jeremy (Samantha) Grovatt of Moyock, NC. He took pride in his children and six grandchildren, Abriel E Snider, Emma R Snider, Kaleb M. Grovatt, Madison C Grovatt, Lily M Grovatt, and Kelly C Snider who preceded him in death.

And now our dear husband, father, grandfather, and friend has reached glory because He trusted in the Lord’s sacrifice. ” Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…for they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” Rev 14:13

“Take charge and carry out the plan of the day, Master Chief.”  “Fair Winds and Following Seas”.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 23 at 2:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at Family Church PC, 20035 Quesada Ave, Port Charlotte, FL.  Full Military Honors conducted by the United States Navy and American Legion Post 159 will take place the following morning on Friday, May 24, at 9:30 am at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 SR-72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to any of the following charities in Jack’s name: CureSearch for Children’s Cancer (curesearch.org), Teen Challenge (teenchallengeusa.org), Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org, or AIM International (Assisting Indigenous Ministries) info@AIM.International

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.