Vincent Paul Grocki Lt. Col (USAF) (Ret.)

Vincent Paul Grocki Lt. Col (USAF)(Ret.), 82, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on January 31, 2023 after a sudden illness. Vincent was born on April 22, 1940 to Joseph and Julia Grocki in Brooklyn, NY. Fond memories of Greenpoint, Brooklyn abounded from his childhood with his sister, Loraine, and his many friends from the “neighborhood.” A proud graduate of Brooklyn Tech High School in 1958, he went on to study engineering and meteorology (not always successfully) at New York University. Shortly after graduating with a BS in Science in 1963, he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Weather Officer, and was stationed at Warner Robins AFB near Macon, GA. In 1964, he met and married fellow officer and love of his life, Barbara Hub, after a 3-month courtship. He called their 58-year marriage that gave them two children, Alex and Steven, the greatest achievement of his life. His 24-year Air Force career met its promise and “showed him the world” where he met many friends, which became like family. He retired from the Air Force in 1987 in York County, VA, but went on to work as an accountant for several years, finally retiring for good in 2002. In 2005, he moved to Williamsburg, VA where he and Barb met wonderful friends, audited classes at W&M, traveled extensively, quietly tracked the weather, gardened, walked miles with his beloved dogs, Chloe and Auggie, and spoiled his grandkids, Evalyn and Dylan. Throughout his days, Vince never “knew a stranger” and engaged young and old with warmth, compassion, humor, and a rare kindness that left an indelible mark that was impossible to forget. Vince was predeceased by his cherished son, Alex, his parents, and countless friends and family he now joins to debate, hug, and share memories. He is survived by, his wife, Barbara, his son, Steven and wife, Nicole, and grandkids, Evalyn and Dylan. Services will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg on February 11 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Fish, Inc., https://fishwilliamsburg.org, one of many charities, he felt strongly about.