Chester Earl McRorie

Chester Earl “Chet” McRorie died peacefully on 17 Sep 2025, at age 97, surrounded by his children in 

Burien, Washington. 

Chet was born on 27 Feb 1928, near Auburn, Michigan, to Chester Earl and Marie (Schmidt) McRorie.

His father died just before Chet's birth. His mother subsequently married Otto Kreuger, who was a

loving father to Chet and his sisters. 

Chet enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school. He was stationed in Guam when he

received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated with the Class of 1952, who’s apt

motto is “Tough Shoes to Fill.” 

He met the love of his life, Martha Ann Dillion, while visiting his sister in Missouri on a summer leave

from the Academy. They married on 21 Jun 1953. They had three children and spent the next 63 years

happily married until Marty died in 2016. Chet and Marty enjoyed welcoming friends and family to

their home. His children and grandchildren are grateful for the foundation he gave them. Through the

values he exemplified, they hope to honor his memory by approaching life with curiosity and people

with kindness.

Chet's work as an engineer in the aerospace industry took the family to Indiana, Colorado, and Cocoa

Beach, Florida. He was the lead flight controls engineer for the Titan missiles that launched from Cape

Canaveral. Their launches were all successful and set new standards.

Returning to Colorado, he shifted his career to the insurance business and became a successful agent

for New York Life. He was promoted into management, overseeing offices in Medford, Oregon, then

Redwood City, California, and finally, Bremerton, Washington. 

With every move Chet and Marty found a new church home and sang in the choir. He was an active

outdoorsman and enjoyed retriever field trial competition, hunting, and fishing. He was also very

involved in the Bremerton community, including the Chamber of Commerce, Navy League, and the

Rotary Club. For over forty years, Chet enjoyed socializing with the NW Chapter of the USNA Class

of `52 alumni group. Bridge, poker, and tennis rounded out his active life well into his late 80s.

After the death of his wife, he embarked on a new adventure. He lived with his son and daughter-in-law

in Alaska, where the fishing opportunities were great, and made that his home for more than 7 years.

In addition to his wife, Chet was predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, Helen (McRorie)

McComb, Cathernmae (McRorie) Waldron, and Nancy (Kreuger) Schade.

Chet is survived by his three children, Bartley (and Donna) McRorie, Marcella (and Ted) Anderson,

and Teresa (and John) Osborn; six cherished grandchildren, Christina, David, Zachary, Ella, Kira, and

Madeline; and four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate in Chet's memory to the University of Washington

Medicine’s Memory and Brain Wellness Center. Details may be found here:

https://together.uw.edu/i/uw/campaign/mcrorie 

A memorial service will be held on November 8, 2025 at 11:00 am at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church,

9300 Nels Nelson Rd NW, Bremerton, WA 98311 

Please share memories & photos on the guestbook, located below.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle