Photo courtesy of Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth
Jun 18, 1954 - Oct 10, 2024
He was always great to see him. Our careers were very parallel- both in the Navy/ Naval Reserves and with Delta. I’m so sorry Debbie
John Rohleder
December 17, 2024 | Cincinnati, OH | Friend
To the family of Charles H. Sassone, CDR, USNR-Ret
We have known Chip for a very long time. After graduating from UVA it took him a few years to decide to join the navy. Along with his parents, Charly and Alyce, we were so proud to hear he he jumped right in with both feet and loved being a pilot. It is a blessing to love your work. Debbie, you were a big support to Chip and when he married you he was blessed again. That he would move to beautiful Frankenmuth in my home state...
Sharron D'Angelo
November 15, 2024 | Virginia Beach, VA
I have such dear memories of Chip from UVa. He was so special! My condolences to his family and friends.
Barbara Peck
November 12, 2024 | Sherman, CT | Friend
I knew Chip well in college at UVA, as he was an integral member of our social group. I have great pictures of him on one of our trips toCarolina to camp at the beach! He was brilliant and fun! All of us who knew him at UVA, who have been in contact with one another upon the sad news, are remembering him fondly. I speak for many, including my husband, Luke Brennan, who was a friend to Chip.
CeCi Kettendorf
November 12, 2024 | Palo Alto, CA | Friend
Chip was my brother’s roommate, and my boyfriend at UVa. A really sweet guy and genuinely good person! I am glad he found so much happiness & fulfillment in his life! Gone too soon.
Olga Evanusa-Rowland
November 11, 2024 | Richmond, IN | Friend
Single Tree
Tharps
October 20, 2024 | Wright City, MO
My deepest sympathy to Chip's family.
It was an honor to have known and worked with Chip in the training department at Delta.
Chip was so kind and always had a smile on his face.
John Cowherd
October 17, 2024 | Johns Creek, GA | Friend
So very sorry to hear of Chip’s passing. I knew the Sassone family years ago when they lived in Virginia Beach. Great people. May his memory always be for a blessing.
Mark Hecht
October 15, 2024
So sad to hear this news. Chip was a pal, a mentor, and a dedicated aviator. I have so many fond memories flying with him on the 767.
Len Gold
October 14, 2024 | Coworker
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.
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