February 23, 1943 – March 8, 2024
MANTEO — Jon Adrian Presgrave, 81, of Manteo, NC, passed away on March 8, 2024, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Born on February 23, 1943, in Washington, DC, Jon lived a life filled with dedication and service.
Jon grew up in Chantilly, VA, and graduated from Herndon High School in 1962. In eighth grade, Jon met the love of his life Donna Wintersteen, when they were just 13 years old. Jon played football and Donna was a majorette. Their 68-year love affair started after Donna asked Jon to the Sadie Hawkins dance at school. Service to the community and country was always important to Jon. He was a volunteer firefighter for many years in Chantilly, VA, a passion which carried on to his son, two grandsons, and grandson-in-law. After high school, Jon enlisted in the military, where he proudly served in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam. Jon and family moved to Brandon, FL in 1975, where he discovered his love of sailing and life near the water. A family illness prompted Jon to move the household back to Virginia in 1986 to be closer to loved ones which was always a priority to him. Once they retired, Jon and Donna moved to Manteo, NC, to once again enjoy life by the sea. They literally pinched each other every time they drove over the Manteo bridge because they were so grateful to be living out their dream.
Known for his professionalism, Jon excelled in assisting customers and contractors throughout his career. Jon’s true passion outside of work was spending time with his wife and family. Jon and his son Ben share a unique talent for being able to fix just about anything, as they were both known to break just about everything! Jon had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. Jon loved his grandchildren with all his heart and loved to make them blueberry pancakes every time they visited. He was truly proud of each one of them and their life paths. His family will deeply miss the man who gave so freely of his time, support, and love.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Kathleen Adrian Presgrave and Roger Winfield Presgrave, and his brother Wendell Presgrave.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Donna Wintersteen Presgrave; son Ben Presgrave and wife Holly; daughter Katie Presgrave Rodger and husband Jeff; five grandchildren: Drew Presgrave, Sarah P. Fitch, Annabel Rodger, Hunter Presgrave, and Lexi Rodger; four great-grandchildren: Becca, Ethan, Daniel, and Sadie; and brother Teddy Presgrave. Jon is also survived by his special nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends from all over Northern Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo. The funeral service will begin at 5:00 pm, officiated by Rev. Tim Fitch and live streamed at TwifordFH.com. A private family committal service will be held at Brown’s Memorial Cemetery in Great Falls, VA. A celebration of life will be held in Herndon, VA on Saturday March 16; details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org), Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), or Paws of Honor (pawsofhonor.org)
Jon Adrian Presgrave will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his community, and most importantly, his beloved family. May he rest in peace.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
