Reid Gromis

REID WM. GROMIS

Reid was born in Reading, PA on January 13, 1923, to Pennsylvania Dutch parents, Sally and Elmer Gromis. Elmer was in sales for a grocery retail firm that delivered their products by horse and wagon. Reid was the youngest of six siblings who have all preceded him in communion with God. He attended high school with two of his nephews, where he was the Senior Class President. After World War II had begun, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed at Hammer Field, Fresno, CA. During his stay in Fresno, he met a Fresno State coed named Jean Barger. Reid and Jean married on May 24, 1946. Reid was the first person in his family to attend and graduate from college. In 1948 he completed his teaching credential from Kutztown State Teachers College in Kutztown, PA. Shortly thereafter, Reid and Jean returned to Fresno to begin his professional career in education with the Fresno Unified School District. During his 39 years with Fresno Unified, he was a teacher, a principal at Wishon Elementary School, Personnel Director, and Associate Superintendent of Schools. During this time, he also received his Masters Degree in Education from California State University, Fresno. After his retirement in 1988, Reid became the Executive Director of the Public Education Fund. Throughout his lifetime, Reid received numerous awards. In March of 2004, Reid was honored as the Fresno State School of Education Noted Alumni recipient. Reid was preceded in death by his spouse, Jean Gromis, whom he loved dearly. Reid is survived by his sons, Michael W. Gromis, M.D., and David Paul Gromis. He was also blessed to have six grandchildren, Reid, Emily, Thomas, Adam, Daniel, and Anna, whom he loved and enjoyed. Reid was a member of Northwest Church. He was also active in Kiwanis, having served as the chapter President. He also enjoyed his time at Fish Camp. Reid was a generous contributor to Fresno State, Community Hospitals of Central California, and other worthwhile causes. A Memorial Service will be held at Northwest Church, 5415 West Ave. in Fresno (Corner of West and Barstow Aves.) on Thursday, June 17, 2004, at 5:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the Reid Wm. Gromis Education Fund, Kremen School of Education and Human Development, California State University, Fresno, 5005 N. Maple Ave. M/S ED1, Fresno, CA 93740-8025.