Obituary of Edwin Gras

Edwin Culbert Gras 96, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away January 25, 2013 at Tidewell Hospice House, Port Charlotte. Edwin was born on April 29, 1916, in Worcester, Massachusetts to Norman Scott Brien Gras and Ethel Culbert Gras. He was raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where his Father was a Professor at the Harvard Business School Edwin graduated from Harvard University with a BA and MA in mathematics. His first job was to teach Math, Electricity and Electronics at Harvard Engineering School. At the same time he was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master. When he was 26 years old, Edwin met a "young gal". Alta was the "love of his life". They were married in July 1943. During World War II he received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army. After one year as an Electronics Officer in the Signal Corps he was transferred to Special Forces in the Air Corp and was the Officer of a Special Weapons Detachment in Guided Missiles. There he had training in the Gyroscope, Radio Control, Television Control and Jet Engines. Edwin and Alta moved to Annapolis, Maryland in July 1946 when Edwin was hired as a Professor of Mathematics at The U.S. Naval Academy. While teaching at the Naval Academy, he was also lauded by the school for his achievements as an Ocean Racing Sailing Coach and Skipper/Navigator for 12 ocean races. He joined the United States Power Squadron and taught Celestial Navigation for 10 years. He was a Senior Counselor in the Math Science Division, and a Computer Programming Instructor, assisting the Dean writing Computer Programs for the Naval Academy. Edwin retired from the Naval Academy in 1973. Edwin and Alta traveled to Florida and settled first in Marathon Key, where for 10 years they took care of both of their Mothers. When both Mothers passed in 1986 they moved to Port Charlotte. They joined the Punta Gorda Sailing Club where he was in great demand to help other boat owners, and volunteered as Treasurer for the club. In 1994 they moved into Southport Square where he took great pride in his ability to volunteer as Treasurer for the Friends of Music, Habit for Humanity, and Southport Square resident's funds. Edwin and Alta contributed financial support for the construction of two houses for the Habit for Humanity in Port Charlotte, Florida. Edwin was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Alta Gras in 2011. He is survived by two children, Carole A. Gras of Lawrence, Massachusetts. and Robert S. Gras and wife Karen of Fairbanks, Alaska. A memorial celebration of his life will be held in New England this summer at a time to be announced. A private family memorial was celebrated at Nichside, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 Memorial contributions may be made to Habit for Humanity in memory of Edwin and Alta Gras. Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery is in charge of arrangements