Capt. Christopher W.P. Naquin (USNR-ret.) of Gloucester Point, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023. Born on June 29, 1935 to Lt. and Mrs. Oliver F. Naquin in Hon-olulu, Hawaii where his father was stationed, serving in early submarines. Traumatic events during his young life included the sinking of the submarine USS Squalus in May 1939, off the coast of New Hampshire, of which his father was the Commanding Officer. Chris and his family returned to Hawaii in December 1941 and were there for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the sinking of the USS California on which his father served. With his mother and sister, Chris was evacuated from Hawaii on Christmas Day, 1941.
He attended schools on both coasts and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy for three years and graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Business Administration in 1963.
He was employed at the U.S. Department of Transportation for many decades, retiring as an Executive Developmental Specialist, and was instrumental in the development of the three-point safety belt. He remained active in the Naval Reserve and attained the rank of Captain.
For over 40 years, he lived with his family at his beloved “Annefield” on Wilson Creek, where he enjoyed landscaping, beekeeping, and stewarding the land with his beloved wife Barbara. His favorite hobby was working in his workshop, where he completed many projects. In retirement, Chris was known for the walnut crosses he made, which he shared with clergy, friends, and fellow members of Abingdon Episcopal Church. Much of the wood he used came from a tree that fell in a storm and crushed a portion of the churchyard wall, and for him, the crosses represented the triumph of faith and patience over adversity. Chris was an active member and vestryman at Abingdon with his wife and son, William, and where his son, Robert, was married.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, the former Barbara Jean Lee, and his parents, Rear Adm. Oliver F. Naquin (ret.) and Frances D. Naquin. He is survived by his sons, William E. Naquin and Robert J. Naquin; his sister, Lorraine Naquin Tyler of Washington, D.C.; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Smith Naquin, and grandchildren, Jennings Power Naquin, Olivia Garner Naquin, and Ava Grace McLean Naquin, all of Gloucester.
In memory of Chris, contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at Abingdon Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 82, White Marsh, Va. 23183. A memorial service will be held at Abingdon Episcopal Church in January.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.