Gerald "Jerry" T. Grenier

Jerry was the youngest of six children, growing up in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. He cherished his childhood memories of playing spongeball with his brothers Richard and Donald. A proud graduate of Holy Trinity High School, Jerry was a standout athlete, earning MVP honors on the football team and later being inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. He furthered his education at Wright Jr. and Harper College.

A dedicated member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 73, Jerry was also a successful entrepreneur, founding and owning businesses including Aragon Energy Systems, Subway Sandwich Shops, and Mattress Experts. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his devotion to family; on September 5, 2024, he celebrated 60 loving years of marriage to his high school sweetheart, Judy.

Jerry’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He made it a priority to be involved in the lives of his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. A die-hard fan of the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Blackhawks, he found joy in sports and loved watching reruns of his favorite TV show, “Gunsmoke.” You could often find him on the front porch, soaking up the sun and enjoying life to its fullest.

Jerry's life was beautifully devoted to his beloved wife Judy, their daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his faith in Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Grenier (Winters); daughters Dawn (Vincent) Marie Varacalli, Lori Ann (Michael) Collins, and Amy Lynne (Brian) Millington; sisters-in-law Lee Winters and Marlene Grenier; godson Jeff Grenier; goddaughter Barbara Naumiec (Kukla); and six grandchildren: Kody Ann Volkman, Brianna Helene Ambrozewski, Dallas Edward Volkman, Brennan Todd Franklin, Christopher John Millington, and Colton Matthew Millington. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Kevin Michael Ambrozewski III and Nova Ray Franklin.

Jerry was preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth, Richard, and Donald Grenier, and sisters Lillian Van and Marjorie Kukla.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, Arizona. A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Saint Henry Roman Catholic Church in Buckeye, Arizona, followed by burial at St. Adalbert Catholic Cemetery in Niles, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona, in Jerry's memory.

Jerry's legacy of love, dedication, and warmth will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.