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Galen deGraff Obituary
July 21, 1944 - July 12, 2025
Dr. Galen Frederick deGraff, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend, passed away on July 12, 2025. Born July 21, 1944, on Eastern Long Island, to Esther Penny Boutcher and Henry Lewis DeGraff, Galen lead an extraordinary life which he lived to the fullest. He served as a combat assault helicopter pilot arriving in Vietnam just as the Tet Offensive had begun. After his tour in Vietnam, he taught instrument flying at Fort Rucker, earning the award for Outstanding Flight Instructor out of 1500 fellow instructors. Upon returning to civilian life, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce at the University of Virginia where he met his wife, Amy Vanderlyn. Their 54-year marriage included a magical honeymoon trip touring Europe for four months on a BMW motorcycle. Upon return from Europe, Galen pursued an MBA at the UVA's Darden School of Business. He held several executive positions in private Industry, before returning to graduate school to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Management and International Business. He was selected for the "Distinguished Doctoral Student Award." After earning his Ph.D., he taught Business Strategy and Finance at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. His career in teaching was deeply fulfilling. Galen was a dynamic, inspiring, caring and much-loved professor which led to the establishment of a scholarship in his honor and the creation of a tiered classroom named after him. He retired from the University of Mary Washington in 2015 as Emeritus Professor of Business.
Galen balanced his academic life with traveling in Europe during summers with his wife and daughter, driving his highly prized R90S motorcycle, fly fishing, and shooting sporting clays with fine shotguns bought after extensive research.
He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Amy Vanderlyn deGraff; his loving daughter, Gislaine Penny Vanderlyn deGraff Moore; his son-in-law, Zackry Benjamin Moore; his granddaughter, Aubree Louisa Moore, whom he called his "little princess"; his grandson, Bo Frederick Moore, whom he called his "little prince"; his two wonderful brothers, Geoffrey Furguson DeGraff and Giles Penny DeGraff; and best friend of 58 years, Joseph Harbison. For all of us, he will forever be irreplaceable in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Galen F. deGraff Scholarship in Business at the University of Mary Washington. To make a donation to Galen's scholarship, please visit umw.edu/gift and include Galen's name in the "in memory" field.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Galen deGraff
4 Entries
Laura Key
August 2, 2025
I am very sorry to read this. Galen was a member here at Conservation Park for many years. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Barbara Cross
July 27, 2025
Amy, I was shocked to learn of your loss today. My thoughts and prayers are with us and your family. Barbara Cross/ex Aspire 120
David Lee Rubin
July 27, 2025
Galen was spectacular. He had been a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, had earned earned prestigious degrees (BS and MBA) in business administration from UVa as well as a Ph.D. at GW, and had taught challenging courses at what is now known, ungrammatically, as the University of Mary Washington. (A UMW classroom and a scholarship are named for him). Physically Galen resembled the mature Ernest Hemingway and was deeply into his personal style, which included a GQ wardrobe (featuring museum-quality hats and canes), luxury car ownership, motorcycling around the countryside in a Star Wars costume, skeet shooting in full regalia with collectible firearms, and keeping up with fellow veterans). Brilliant, erudite, imaginative, charming, and articulate, he was a great raconteur who never failed to impress. Growing up, my son Tim adored Galen who projected SuperHeroism and connected magically with bright, lively youngsters. He broadened all our horizons, and the world is smaller without him. My condolences to his entire family, especially his widow Amy and their daughter Gigi, as well as his brothers, son-in-law and grandchildren.
T Hank cook
July 27, 2025
I remember him I management @ Wm.Byrd Press yrs ago & Riding a BMW Motor cycle.
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