Christos Zirps

CAPTAIN CHRISTOS ZIRPS, USN (RET)

On April 9, 2024, Captain Christos Zirps, USN (Ret) passed away. He was born in Nyack, NY in December 1929. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1953 with a BS degree in Naval Science, he served 26 years in the Navy including many sea and shore tours. Highlights included Commanding Officer of the USS Warrington (DD 843) and of the Naval Personnel Program Support Activity. Over his Naval career, he earned an MA in International Relations; was a Distinguished Graduate of the Naval War College; and was awarded numerous commendations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Navy Meritorious Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal.

Following Navy retirement in 1980, he consulted for the Naval Sea Systems Command on mine warfare, passive sonar, and foreign military sales programs with EG&G and Vreedenberg for 18 years, finally retiring fully in 1994. He served as President of the Naval Academy Class of 1953 for several terms and President of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Hellenic Institute for 6 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Christina of 55 years. He is survived by his three children: Christopher, Nora, and Thomas Zirps; and five grandchildren: Melissa, Benjamin, Asa, Arlo, and Zia.

Visitation will be held on April 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Everly Community Funeral Care, 6161 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. Memorial services will be held at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA at noon on April 20, with viewing beginning at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the USS Baltimore (CA 68) Scholarship Endowment Fund in memory of Chris.

Friends and family can make secure gifts online at:

https://www.ubcommunity.org/giving-page

In the Comments Box, donors should write "In memory of Chris Zirps/USS Baltimore (CA 68) Scholarship".

Donors who prefer to give by check can mail them to the attention of Kate Crimmins at "The University of Baltimore Foundation, 1420 N.

Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201". Donors can write "In memory of Chris Zirps" or "USS Baltimore Scholarship" in the memo line or on a note so that it can be acknowledged that the gift is specifically given in Chris' memory.