Stephen J. Grochmal Jr., 75, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 15, 2014.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Constance M. Fagnant. They graduated from Chicopee High School and married on July 4, 1960 at St. Anne’s in Chicopee, Mass. They made their home in Grandby, Mass., for 22 years, but later divorced.
He is aso survived by his daughter, Lisa Lariviere (Sam); son, Stephen J. Grochmal III (Carol); grandchildren, Corinee M. Lariviere, Kathryn R. Lariviere, and Samuel Joseph Lariviere, Matthew Stephen Grochmal, and Daniel Joseph Grochmal; brother, John Grochmal; stepsisters, Annette Suski, and Eileen Martin (Edward); aunt, Trudy Howle; cousins, Jim (Marian) Grochmal, and Joseph (Shirley) Grochmal; nephew, Andrew Caponi; godson, Colonel Michael Fagnant; and a host of friends he helped throughout his lifetime.
He was predeceased by his parents, Anita Verdin Suski, and Stephen Joseph Grochmal Sr.; an infant son, Michael Stephen Grochmal; and sister, Evelyn Caponi.
Grochmal was born at home on Aug. 9, 1938 in Chicopee, Mass., and was of the Catholic faith. He proudly worked as a time study engineer and in the safety and security department at Smith & Wesson for more than 35 years before retiring to Florida.
He was an avid gardener and gave away more produce to friends than he kept for himself. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hiking in his younger days. He had a love for history and his Polish heritage.
Grochmal was a huge sports fan, but was particularly fond of the Boston Red Sox, from Yaz and Petrocelli to Big Papi. He loved music, even more than sports, and shared this passion with all who knew him. His smile was ever present, especially when in the company of his five grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will take place in Granby, Mass., at a later date. The family thanks all of those who have helped Grochmal throughout the years and kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Jimmy Fund at JimmyFund.org.
Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach is handling local arrangements.