Commander Charles H. "Chip" Sassone, USNR Ret

Frankenmuth, MI; formerly of Virginia Beach, VA

Chip passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at My Michigan Medical Center, at the age of 70. He was born on June 18, 1954, in Portsmouth, VA, to the late Charles H. and Alyce M. Sassone. Chip earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia in 1977. He married the woman he couldn't live without, Deborah Taylor, on May 23, 1981; she survives him.

Chip served honorably in the United States Navy as both a Naval Aviator and a Landing Signal Officer. He, Debbie, and their children served in California, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, and Virginia. He was an officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and served in Lebanon in 1983. Chip continued his service as a reservist after leaving active duty and retired as a Commander after 20 years of service.

After leaving the Navy, Chip was employed by Delta Airlines as a pilot, most notably as the Fleet Captain for the Boeing 777 fleet. As a Delta Captain, he had the honor of flying the Olympic torch from Athens, Greece, to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games and flew troops overseas for service during Desert Storm. After being forced to stop flying commercially at the age of 65 by the FAA, Chip continued working as an instructor and on special projects for Delta, one of which he leaves unfinished. He had 31 years of service with Delta.

Chip was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. He was an active member of the Frankenmuth Noon Rotary Club, where he served as President and was a multiple-time Paul Harris Fellow.

He also served on the board of the Michigan Heroes Museum and the I Support the 1% Veterans Food Pantry, among others. He was a dedicated volunteer at many Frankenmuth events, including Auto Fest, Bringin' Back the 80s, and the Taste of Frankenmuth. Chip was committed to helping his family, community, and friends above all else. He never turned down a challenge or a request for help.

Surviving, besides his wife Deb, are his three sons, Charles Michael (Lena) Sassone of Atlanta, GA, Matthew Sassone of Atlanta, GA, and Nicholas (Abby) Sassone of Chicago, IL; his daughter, Hannah (Garrett) Morris of Alma, MI; his granddaughter, Riley Rose Morris; his sister, Jane (Jim) Johnson of Frankenmuth; his nieces, Jennifer (Gage) Graham and Ashley Johnson; his nephew, James Johnson; and many more family members and close friends.

Besides his parents, Chip was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Elizabeth Marsh.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola St. Frankenmuth, Michigan. Military Honors will begin at 11:50 a.m. Rev. Brad Hubbard will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Chip's family will receive visitors at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Michigan Heroes Museum or I Support the 1% Veterans Food Pantry.