John Engraff

John Engraff died of heart failure at his home in Montrose September 24, 2018.

He was born in Sterling, CO in 1942 to Adam and Katherine (Gertner) Engraff.

After attending St. Anthony’s Catholic School, he joined the Navy in 1964 with the intention of becoming a Navy SEAL.

He completed SEAL training and joined Underwater Demolition Team 22 in 1966. He was assigned to Seal Team 2 in Norfolk, VA from 1967 to 1972.

John completed 2 tours in Viet Nam and received numerous awards for heroism. He left active duty in 1972 and was a Navy reservist at Buckley Naval Air Station in Denver.

In 1984 he returned to active duty at SEAL Team 5 in Coronado, CA and retired in 1997.

John also received a BA degree from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandy (LeBlanc) Engraff, stepson Bill Vance (Cheryl), grandchildren Audrey and Owen, siblings: Florence Rizzolo, Marie Volcic, Mike Engraff(Jeannie) and

Sadhna Singh Engraff. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Kathy Mildenberger.

John enjoyed 21 years of retirement by swimming in the Ouray Pool, taking scenic photographs, and enjoying his life at Cobble Creek. John was a member of the Montrose ARU Parkinson’s Support Group, Chief Ouray Gun Club, and the UDT-SEAL Association.

Funeral Services will be at Tennant Funeral Home, Sterling, CO on Monday, October 1 at 11:00 am followed by burial at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling.

Crippin Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.