Master Sergeant Thomas Arthur Gryp, 66, a resident of Newport News, VA, passed away on May 30, 2023. He was born to late parents Michael and Ann Gryp in Maine. He is preceded in death by his three brothers: Charles, Michael and Robert Gryp.
Thomas “Tom” was deeply passionate in his 24 years of service in the U.S. Army, primarily working to recruit and retain top military talent to serve and build meaningful careers in the Army. During his service, Tom was stationed throughout the U.S. and overseas, including Kansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, and Germany. He also served in Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. Following his retirement from the Army, Tom worked for RCI providing career counseling to individuals who were transitioning out of the Army to civilian life. Following this, Tom also worked for the U.S. Social Security Administration. In addition to his lifetime calling serving his country, Tom spent his free time supporting friends and family in filing their yearly taxes.
Tom was best known for finding the very best deals at the Commissary and local grocery stores, at times getting items for basically free and stocking up in his garage. He always made sure to tell his family when there was a good deal so they could take advantage, too. Tom enjoyed watching and betting on horse races every Saturday. He was also known for cooking signature dishes, including corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day, sunny side up eggs and English muffins, barbeque ribs, and “Set It and Forget It” rotisserie chicken with French fries. When Tom declared it Upside Down Day, the entire family would eat breakfast for dinner. He always made sure to say, “I love you” upon parting or getting off the phone, and ended the day with the phrase “Night, night, love you, see you in the morning.” These are all memories that the family will cherish for a lifetime.
Tom is survived by wife Friederike, whom he met while stationed in Germany and was married to for more than 30 years; and his stepson Florian Hildebrandt. Tom is also survived by his ex-wife Mildred Gryp-Turner and their three daughters Debra Settles, Natasha Gryp, Catherine Gryp (Nicholas Hanson); as well as grandchildren Tyrus Settles, Dallas Settles, Zachary Allen, and Isabella Gryp-Hanson. A little piece of Tom will live on through them all.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home Denbigh Chapel, 12893 Jefferson Avenue Newport News, VA 23608. Following will be a graveside service at Albert G Horton in Suffolk at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to honor Tom’s love for his brother Michael Gryp, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis most of his life.
In this time of mourning, the family appreciates all your support and wants to share the wisdom that Tom imparted on all of them – always work your hardest and do the right thing, and everything will work out.
