Terrence L. "Chops" Grom Sr.

Terrence L. "Chops" Grom Sr., passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, in Sun City West, AZ. He was surrounded by his entire family.

Chops is survived by his beautiful wife of 42 years, Theresa (nee Rafferty); his older brother, Rudolph; and his 5 children, Lawrence (Meghan), Douglas (Erin), Jeffrey (Cara), Terrence Jr. (Rebecca), and Janet (Andrew). He also had 7 precious grandchildren that he loved dearly, ranging from ages 6 to 6 months: Alexis, Rory, Leo, Nolan, Ty, Elliott, and Wyatt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Helen; as well as his younger brother, Lawrence.

Chops grew up in North Chicago, IL and attended Holy Family Catholic School. He spent his younger days caddying at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff, IL. He graduated from Carmel High School in Mundelein, IL in 1973, and went on to become a Marquette Warrior. Chops spent the majority of his life in the northern Illinois suburbs where he resided in Ingleside. Through the years, he worked as the "Director of Fun" for the Village of Fox Lake, Smith Engineering in McHenry, Manhard Consulting in Vernon Hills, and Robinson Engineering in Volo.

Chops was happiest when he was out playing golf, spending a Friday afternoon at Arlington Park, or fishing somewhere on the Chain O'Lakes or Lake Michigan. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was proud to say he saw them win a World Series in 2016. In 2019, Chops retired and moved to Sun City West, AZ with his wife. Chops loved the desert heat and was well known by the neighbors for sitting in the driveway soaking up the Valley sun with a giant glass of iced tea. He loved Sun City West and everything the world class community had to offer, whether it was golf, pools, watching the trains at the train park with his grandchildren, community meetings, concerts, or other gatherings.

Those who knew Chops would fully agree that he touched the hearts of everyone, had a great sense of humor, and never had a bad day. He was always one to pick up a tab for the whole group and made sure everybody felt included. He could work a room like nobody else, and if you were in that room, there's a good chance you would hear, "Hi, I'm Terry Grom from Fox Lake." You can honor Chops by soaking up some sun wherever you may reside, hugging your family every day, hitting a few golf balls, completing a jigsaw puzzle, throwing a few bucks on Red 23 on the roulette wheel, sending someone flowers "Just Because," or buying a round of drinks for your friends. A Son, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Golfer, a Fisherman, a Friend, a Legend. He always made us laugh. We Love You Chops!

Per his wishes, there will be no planned services.

In lieu of flowers to the family, please make all donations in his name to Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation, to help send caddies to college.