CARL LOUIS VANDERGRIFT, SR.-Obituary

Carl Louis Vandergrift, Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026.  He was the beloved father of Carl Vandergrift Jr. (Dawn), and Kelly Chropka (Michael); and loving grandfather of Grace Chropka, Joseph Chropka, and Wyatt Vandergrift.  He was the dear brother of Thomas Vandergrift (Evelyn); the late James Vandergrift (Linda); the late LaVerne Wilson (late Robert); and Marie Cheruka (late Ronald).  He was the son of the late Thomas and Edith (nee Harper) Vandergrift.  Carl was also preceded in death by his beloved cocker spaniel, “Maggie”, who held a special place in his heart.
Born on August 22, 1941, in Vineland, NJ, Carl was raised in the Janvier section of Franklin Township on the family farm.  He attended Clayton High School and continued to live in Janvier for a number of years.  He briefly resided in Reading, PA, before making Glassboro his home for many years.   Following his retirement, Carl enjoyed spending his summers in Ocean View, NJ, and his winters in Florida.  He later moved to Spotsylvania, VA, where he lived for several years to be closer to his sister, Marie, before recently returning to New Jersey and settling in Williamstown.

Carl began working during high school at Community Oil where he learned the HVAC trade.  He then joined Agway and worked his way up to Sales Manager before leaving the company in 1973. Carl went on to establish his own business, becoming the owner and operator of Vandergrift’s Oil Service Inc. in Glassboro.  He proudly operated the business until his retirement in November 1999.

As a member of the Janvier Fire Company, Carl followed in the footsteps of his father, Thomas, who was instrumental in its development.  His mother, Edith, was also active with the Ladies Auxiliary. Having grown up around the fire company, Carl joined as a teenager, and in his high school yearbook he wrote that we wanted to become a “first class firefighter”.  Through his many years of dedicated service, he eventually became Chief and a member of the New Jersey State Fire Company Relief Association.

Carl was committed to serving his community in many ways.  He served as a member of the Delsea Regional Board of Education from 1966 to 1972 and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge 85 of Glassboro.  He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in Glassboro and served as Secretary for the Franklinville Republican Club.

Growing up on a large family farm, Carl developed a strong connection to the outdoors from an early age.  The farm was home to pigs, chickens, and a donkey, and Carl often shared stories of his childhood responsibilities.  In his earlier years, Carl also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family at the shore.  

Carl especially loved his time in Florida after retirement, but some of his favorite adventures were at sea.  He absolutely loved cruising and was devoted to Royal Caribbean, where he was a member of the Crown & Anchor Society.  Over the years, he enjoyed many trips to Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Above all, Carl will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by family, community service, hard work, and a love of adventure.  His stories, dedication, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312.  A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by interment at Manahath Cemetery in Glassboro.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carl’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at StJude.org. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.

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