Darryl E. Grandle, 50, passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of Friday, July 8, 2022 at home in Virginia Beach. Darryl was born to the late Richard and Eileen Grandle on April 12, 1972 in Maryland.
Darryl enjoyed 31-years as an Applications Engineer at American GFM in Chesapeake. His career gave him knowledge and experience, which he translated to many home projects. It also gave him opportunities to enjoy travel all over the United States.
Darryl married his high school sweetheart and best friend less than a month after high school graduation and they immediately started growing their family. Darryl was very proud of his girls and loved nothing more than being with them. He was often a man of few words – but his face beamed with pride as he walked his eldest daughter down the aisle and again as he watched his youngest graduate college. He was excited to be a PopPop and have little boys to play trucks and ball with.
Darryl was loved by everyone who knew him. In addition to family time, he filled his days with his coworker family, friends, Orioles baseball, Star Wars, playing with his dogs, listening to music, eating German chocolate cake, grilling out and enjoying a Bud Light or two.
He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Amy; daughters Jessica (Kyle) Barnes of Shiloh, NC and Samantha (Travis Edwards) Grandle of VA Beach; his brother Brian; grandsons Lucas and Jacob Barnes and Abel Edwards; and countless other friends and family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15 @ 1pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel (5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, 23462)
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite animal charity in Darryl’s name.
I realize this is a late condolence however I just saw this today. I remember when Darryl started working at GFM. He was a quiet kid then that had a great personality. Everyone took a liking to Darryl. He was one of the nicest people I ever worked with. Always polite. I left GFM over 20 years ago but I remember Darryl very well. Once we worked together for a while he really opened up and we shared quite a few laughs. Although I am quite a bit older I see much of my own life after watching the video tribute. I am glad that he had a great career at GFM. I am more glad that he built a wonderful family life. That is the most important thing. I raised 3 successful kids and being a grandfather is one of the best things in life. It appears Darryl achieved all the important things in the way-too-short life that he had. Thank you for sharing the video. It is both heartwarming and humbling. I am very sorry for the loss to his family, coworkers and friends.
I can’t believe this happen to Darryl. It was few a weeks ago when he reached out to me after my knee surgery. Darryl wanted to know how I was doing from it. That is a friend, not just a coworker. Over the 15 yrs of working with him at AGFM, he would take the time to show me things or walk me through programs if I needed help on a trip. That is the kind of coworker Darryl was – he was always willing to help. He had so much knowledge about what he did and how much he enjoyed it. He would talk about how proud of his family and the fact he is Granddad. We would talked about anything from sports to his family.
My family sends prayers and comfort to his family. He will be so truly missed as friend and coworker.
I was truly shocked and sad to hear of Darryl ‘s passing. He was one of the nices guys I knew working at AGFM. He was the first person I worked with when I started my employment there. He was always willing to help. I was able to watch him grow into and excellent husband father and man. How proud he was of his children when they were born. Never spoke bad of anyone or evolve himself in anyone’s business. Always calm and friendly. We spoke on my last day at AGFM in 2020 wishing each other well as we both move on into our future job opportunities.
One thing I know for sure. He loved his wife and family. He got along with everyone he ever worked with. And he was a hard worker with no complaints.
To his family. Please know he will truly be missed by everyone he ever came in contacted with.
And I am so sorry for your lost.
My prayers of peace and comfort for you all.
I was so sorry to hear about Darryl’s passing. Having worked with him at American GFM for years, i can say he will surely be missed. He was a bright ray of sunshine in our department; a gentle happy soul! My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time. Please know that he was a treasured individual.
Words can’t begin to describe our sorrow in learning of the death of my dear nephew, Darryl, and my daughter’s cousin. Darryl was a very special soul, his heart was as big as the world, and he had such a fun personality. We will always cherish our time spent taking him on boats to Annapolis, Maryland, on amusements at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, and frolicking on the shore and boardwalks at Virginia Beach. Those were special times for sure. It’s just a shame we lived so far apart in later years. I always bust my buttons with pride as am so very proud of the very fine man he grew up to be. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our hearts break for Amy, Samantha, Jessica, and the grandsons. May you Rest In Peace, Darryl. You certainly have enriched our lives.
Aunt Sharon, Ron, and cousin Regina
My deepest sympathies to the family. I am so sorry for your loss .
I worked with Darryl at American GFM for over 25 years. He and I worked very closely together on the Ultrasonic cutting machines. He had a knack for troubleshooting electrical and electronic gremlins. He then moved up to Applications engineering and had a very bright future. I was completely shocked, emotionally, when I heard the news.
I was just talking and joking with him Thursday afternoon down in Bay 6.
We talked about Star Wars alot too.
We will miss you Darryl.
You are gone way too soon. 🙁
Darryl was a wonderful nephew. I will always cherish all the fond memories I have of going to concerts, wrestling matches, playing games and cards. He was so much fun to be around and always full of mischief. I was always so proud of the husband, father, and grandfather that he became. Sending thoughts and prayers to Amy and the girls. Darryl will always have a special place in my heart.
Love, Aunt Brenda & Uncle Charles
Amy and girls and grandboys Im so sorry for your loss. There are mo words to lessen the pain
Remeber the good times and know he watvhing over you. Watch for the signs