Born in Salem, N.H., son of the late John Gronbeck and Elizabeth (Topp) Gronbeck, he left high school at age 16 to enlist in the United States Navy. During World War II he was sent to electrical school at the University of Iowa. He served on a refueling tanker and a mine sweeper as an Electricians Mate Second Class and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with five stars, Philippine Liberation Medal with one star and the C.O. Commendation. He was also a veteran of the Korean War.
When he returned from the service he graduated from Punchard High School in Salem, N.H., and from the University of New Hampshire. He was employed for over 38 years by New England Electric System, retiring as the General Foreman of Electric Operations and Maintenance.
Mr. Gronbeck was a licensed Master Electrician, loved his dogs, especially his two English Setters Maggie and Ginger, he was a parishioner of Church of Our Savior in Somerset, member for more than fifty years of the Masonic Lodge, loved sailing and was a member Somerset Yacht Club, where he raced his O’Day Widgeon Sailboat with his children for many years.
Survived by his three children Catherine E. Vieira and her husband David of Somerset, MA, John E. Gronbeck Jr. and his wife Lori of Toano, VA, and Cynthia E. Grant and her husband Steven of Lakeville, MA, and five grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom were the delight of his life Heather, Ashley, Morgan, Lauren, Steven and Emily.
He was preceded in death by his brother Oscar W. Gronbeck, he also leaves two nieces and one nephew and their families. A private funeral with military honors will be held. In lieu of flowers please make donations on his behalf to Forever Paws Animal Shelter 300 Lynwood St. Fall River, MA02721. Private arrangements are in the care of WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST.
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