Chester Earl McRorie

Feb 27, 1928 -

Sep 17, 2025

Chester Earl "Chet" McRorie died peacefully on Sept. 17, 2025, at age 97, surrounded by his children. Chet was born on Feb. 27, 1928, in Michigan.

Chet enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, and graduated with the class of 1952, whose apt motto is "Tough Shoes to Fill."

He married the love of his life, Martha Ann Dillion, in 1953. They had three children and spent the next 63 years happily married until Marty died in 2016.

Chet's work as an engineer in the aerospace industry took the family to Indiana, Colorado, and Cocoa Beach, Fla. 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, Ore., then Redwood City, Calif., and finally, Bremerton, Wash.

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.

Chet is survived by his three children, Bartley (Donna) McRorie, Marcella (Ted) Anderson and Teresa (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 Nov. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nels Nelson Rd NW, Bremerton, WA 98311.