Michael Toland Grondzik

Michael Toland Grondzik, beloved son of Carol S. and Walter T. Grondzik, passed away suddenly in Phoenix, Arizona on September 4, 2016 of complications from a lifetime of health issues. Despite battling Crohn's disease since middle school, Michael was vibrant, energetic, self-reliant, and possessed a wonderful wit. He never let his disability get him down.

Michael was born 40 years ago on the 8th of January 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri. He will be dearly missed by his parents, his younger sisters Tasha, Nikki, and Kelsey, his nieces Abigail and Leela, nephew Max, and extended family in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Michael loved to travel and explore; to continually seek to see what was around the next bend. He was fortunate to have lived in and experienced Missouri, Oklahoma, Saudi Arabia, Utah, California, and Florida (his home for most of his adult life). He was also fortunate to have visited 16 countries, the 48 contiguous United States, and six Canadian provinces.

Michael was a true Seminoles fan and an avid student of sports of all types. He played Little League baseball in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and played for the Firefighters team in Tallahassee. Cal Ripken and the Baltimore Orioles were particular major league favorites. He was thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend the FSU championship football game in California in 2013. He was also a great trivia game player.

The world will be a less interesting place without Michael. Luckily he was able in his 40 years to have an impact on many relatives, friends, and acquaintances through an irrepressibly gregarious nature. "The Gronz" as he called himself made an impression on people across the country and around the globe. If gifts are to be made, Michael would appreciate donations to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, www.ccfa.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Sep. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Grondzik

Sponsored by Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens.

13 Entries

Katherine Becker

October 27, 2016

Mike gave me my first job when I was 15 years old. He made a big impression on me and has remained, to this day, my favorite boss. I am sad that we lost touch over the years. My condolences to the family and anyone who never had the chance to meet him. He was a great person.

Walt Bower

September 15, 2016

Mike was a great friend, coworker and fellow Nole fan. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family and friends. The Gronz was one of a kind and he will truly be missed.

Dale Korkmas

September 15, 2016

Hey Mike,
I hear your voice. I hear your laugh. I hear your love. I love you.
To the Grondzik Family~ Peace. I know you all have felt the presence that Mike had on so many people's lives. What a great person. He affected my life, in every way. Love to all.

Nina Ashenafi Richardson

September 13, 2016

To the Grondzic Family, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. We will lift up your family in our thoughts and prayers. Nina and Curtis Richardson

Stephanie Luckie

September 12, 2016

Mike was a great person to be around. He was always authentic and he always made you feel welcome. He will be missed dearly. I can only imagine what the family is going through. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and everyone else that has had the pleasure of knowing him.

Alexis Garcia

September 12, 2016

This Earth is by far a lot less brighter now that you're gone. You touched so many lives with your optimism. Even when the going got tough for you, it didn't show. I am beyond grateful to have had you in my world. I'm certain when I say that where ever you are just got a hell of a lot better now that The Gronz has arrived. Until we meet again, I love you and will forever miss you my friend.

Keith Travers

September 11, 2016

Even though I've known Mike for over 20 years, we had only became close in the last year or so. That is a bit ironic since we once both lived in Tallahassee and didn't become close until we resided 3,000 miles apart. We'd been on the phone almost every day for the last two months, bouncing ideas off of each other and looking forward to developing writing projects. Whether it was about politics, music or sports, Mike and I always had some animated conversations. Mike's travels around the globe gave him a unique and knowledgeable outlook on society and the world around him. We reached a point of trust where we could share personal things and know that they would remain confidential. He was always telling me how much he respected his parents and the job that they did in raising him and his sisters. It was obvious that he had a great deal of love for his family. My condolences and thoughts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Grondzik, and to Tasha, Nikki, and Kelsey. Mike was one of the most thoughtful and considerate persons that I've ever known. Even though I have never met any of you, Mike has shared so many family stories and adventures that I feel as if I know you. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Richie Nix

September 11, 2016

Love and miss you my friend.

Stephen Bailey

September 11, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a dear friend to us and we send our condolences.

The Bailey's
Stephen, Angela, Aden, and Alex

Zana Raybon

September 11, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
Love, Nolan and Zana Raybon

lindsey cope

September 10, 2016

I wouldn't be who I am without Mikey. I'll never stop missing you

Donna Chatham

September 9, 2016

Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. I can not even imagine the pain you are feeling and hope I never will. You are a strong woman and have a lot of faith. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and miss you and if there is anything I can do for just let me know. Take care of yourself.

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