Carl Franklin Northrup, a lifelong waterman, amateur geologist, and devoted family man who balanced a self-described hippie spirit with steadfast conservative values, passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 75, Legacy reported.
Born in Norfolk on May 23, 1951, to Franklin Chester Northrup and Norma Louise Grogan Northrup, Carl spent much of his childhood in San Diego due to his father’s United States Navy service. He later returned to Virginia, graduating from First Colonial High School in 1969—a time he fondly recalled through stories of playing high school football.
Water remained a central theme throughout his life. He spent years surfing, fishing, and living near Back Bay in Virginia Beach, alongside working on boats at Lynnhaven Marine and spending time as a professional chef.
Friends and family knew him as a man of boundless curiosity. He maintained a remarkable green thumb as a plant dad, studied history and science, and kept a vast collection of classic rock compact discs, frequently burning personal mixtapes featuring blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa for his loved ones. Win or lose, he remained a steadfast fan of the Washington Redskins, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, and a dedicated viewer of the television game show Jeopardy!
Carl kept a close circle of lifelong companions, including Bill, his best friend since the eighth grade, and his cousin Tony, his longtime surfing partner. He also maintained close ties with his former wife, Rhonda, joining extended family for holidays and gatherings.
He is survived by his children, Kim and Kris; his grandchildren, Trey, Bailey, Alyse, Andrew, Amanda, and Jenna; his great-grandchildren, Penny and Rhett; and his sisters, Barbara and Kathleen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Louise Northrup Carlson.
To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known by various shortened nicknames, including Grandpa Carl, G.P.C., Gramps, and Geeps.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Princess Anne Chapel, located in Virginia Beach. Condolences can be offered to the family through the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home and Crematory website.
