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 Gryp, whom he met while stationed in Germany and was married to for more than 30 years; and his three daughters Debra Settles, Natasha Gryp, Catherine Gryp (Nicholas Hanson); stepson Florian Hildebrandt; grandchildren Tyrus Settles, Dallas Settles, Zachary Allen, and Isabella Gryp-Hanson; and ex-wife and friend Mildred Gryp-Turner. 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.
Gryp family,
I worked along side Tom in Newport News and Portsmouth SSA for nearly a decade. Tom was hard headed and a riot, but a real marshmallow with a soft side. He often shared Rikas baking and stories of his girls and the grandkids. Tom was like a work-dad, always looking out for me, imparting his wisdom, and yes…always telling me about the best deals out there! We never get enough time with the ones we love, so cherish all your memories and share stories of him often. Tell them in only the way Tom could tell a story.
I miss you more than you will ever know, I love you daddy and pray your upstairs living your best life!
My Condolences to Rike and the Gryp Family. I will keep the family in my prayers.
I never knew you as well as I would have wished Uncle Tom but I feel that we will get the opportunity another day. Until then rest peacefully, your loving nephew Mark.
To the Gryp Family my sincere condolences to you. I know he will be missed by all of his family and friends. He was a good man. Rest in Heaven MSG Thomas Gryp.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of MSG Thomas Arthur Gryp, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Army Veteran, MSG Thomas Arthur Gryp, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †