Welcome to the memorial page for
D. Roger Roger Grigson
June 6, 1933 ~ March 23, 2017 (age 83) 83 Years OldShare Tribute:
D. Roger Grigson, 83, of Downingtown passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Chester Valley Rehab. He was the husband of Carol Grigson with whom he shared 32 years of marriage.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Roger was the son of the late William Herbert and Gretchen Schweitzer Grigson.
He was a 1951 graduate of West Chester High School and attended Cornell University.
Roger served in the United State Marine Corps and was stationed on a troop ship off the coast of Guatemala for five months. As a veteran, he was a member of the American Legion Post 134 in West Chester, where he had served a term as Commander. He was also a life member of the Marine Corps League.
After returning to civilian life, he entered the field of Insurance; first as an agent and later as the owner of a property/casualty agency. Roger ran the company with his wife, Carol, until 2012.
For many years, Roger was a part of the family Christmas tree business, which was founded in 1950. When it was started, it was the first ‘Choose and Cut’ Tree Farm in Chester County. After his father’s death, Roger ran the Tree Farm until 2000.
He was always active in community affairs. Growing up as a Boy Scout, he became a leader in 1960 for Troop 55 out of Grove Methodist Church and later established Troop 134 sponsored by the American Legion in West Chester.
After marrying his wife Carol, they both became involved with Project Children - a program bringing children from troubles in Northern Ireland to America to witness tolerance and understanding. He served as Coordinator for Project Children for many years out of the First Presbyterian Church in West Chester.
Because of his love for military history, Roger started the World War II census for Chester County. Working with the Chester County Historical Society, Roger and his committee were able to conduct hundreds of interviews along with statistical information of Chester County residents who served during World War II. Over 13,000 names are now part of the census.
His later years were consumed with his passion for the Downingtown Area Historical Society, finding a place for its headquarters, and negotiating to preserve the Stone House, now known as the Ashbridge House. Rescued from the wrecking ball, the Society inherited a building in great despair. Roger led the drive to restore the building so that it could be used as a vehicle to preserve and share the history of the Downingtown area.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Grigson is survived by his children, Geoff Grigson, Gregory Grigson and Melissa Grigson; three Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his brother, William H. Grigson, Jr.
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Saturday, April 22nd at 10am at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where friends and family may visit from 9am until the time of service.
Interment will be private at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be made to the Downingtown Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 9, Downingtown, PA 19335.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Roger was the son of the late William Herbert and Gretchen Schweitzer Grigson.
He was a 1951 graduate of West Chester High School and attended Cornell University.
Roger served in the United State Marine Corps and was stationed on a troop ship off the coast of Guatemala for five months. As a veteran, he was a member of the American Legion Post 134 in West Chester, where he had served a term as Commander. He was also a life member of the Marine Corps League.
After returning to civilian life, he entered the field of Insurance; first as an agent and later as the owner of a property/casualty agency. Roger ran the company with his wife, Carol, until 2012.
For many years, Roger was a part of the family Christmas tree business, which was founded in 1950. When it was started, it was the first ‘Choose and Cut’ Tree Farm in Chester County. After his father’s death, Roger ran the Tree Farm until 2000.
He was always active in community affairs. Growing up as a Boy Scout, he became a leader in 1960 for Troop 55 out of Grove Methodist Church and later established Troop 134 sponsored by the American Legion in West Chester.
After marrying his wife Carol, they both became involved with Project Children - a program bringing children from troubles in Northern Ireland to America to witness tolerance and understanding. He served as Coordinator for Project Children for many years out of the First Presbyterian Church in West Chester.
Because of his love for military history, Roger started the World War II census for Chester County. Working with the Chester County Historical Society, Roger and his committee were able to conduct hundreds of interviews along with statistical information of Chester County residents who served during World War II. Over 13,000 names are now part of the census.
His later years were consumed with his passion for the Downingtown Area Historical Society, finding a place for its headquarters, and negotiating to preserve the Stone House, now known as the Ashbridge House. Rescued from the wrecking ball, the Society inherited a building in great despair. Roger led the drive to restore the building so that it could be used as a vehicle to preserve and share the history of the Downingtown area.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Grigson is survived by his children, Geoff Grigson, Gregory Grigson and Melissa Grigson; three Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his brother, William H. Grigson, Jr.
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Saturday, April 22nd at 10am at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, where friends and family may visit from 9am until the time of service.
Interment will be private at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be made to the Downingtown Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 9, Downingtown, PA 19335.
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