Name: Visitation for Thomas J. Grile
Start: 2019-03-12T19:30:00.000Z
End: 2019-03-12T23:30:00.000Z
Location: Christ United Methodist Church

Thomas J. Grile

GALENA - Thomas J. Grile, 72, of Galena, OH passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2019. He was born on February 20, 1947 to Minnie and the late Loy Grile in Baltimore, OH.

Thomas is a proud 34-year veteran of the fire service in Ohio, starting in his hometown of Baltimore, Ohio, in 1965. Following in his father's footsteps, Tom rose through the ranks and was appointed chief of the Baltimore Fire Department in 1973, at the age of 23. In 1972, he started the first fire-based, all volunteer, 24-hour paramedic service in Ohio. Tom spent the bulk of fire career proudly serving the City of Huber Heights as the Fire Chief from 1976 to 1998. Tom is a past president of the Ohio Fire Chief's Association and a Charter Fellow of the Ohio Fire & Emergency Services Foundation. He was an admirable mentor and dedicated servant to his community. Tom is a graduate of Capital University and a member of the Lewis Center United Methodist Church. Most notably, Tom was a dedicated family man. He was a loyal, loving, and dependable son, brother, husband, father, and papaw. His booming personality filled the room at family gatherings and warmed the hearts of those who loved him. A captivating story-teller and avid golfer, some of his proudest moments to share were of his 2 holes-in-one, and his ability to complete a round of golf and beat everyone back to the 19th hole.

Tom is survived by his mother, Minnie Grile; wife, Rose Grile; sons, Brian Grile, Eric (Laurie) Grile, Chris (Andrea) Grile; sisters, Gloria (Ronald) Swinehart, Tanis (Danny) Gall, Deb (Jim) Ballenger; and grandsons, Tyler, Travis, Jack, and Alex. He is preceded in death by his father, Loy Grile.

A funeral service will take place Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Christ United Methodist Church, 700 S. Main St, Baltimore, OH 43105 with Minister Charles Wiltrout officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends may visit at the church on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 3:30-7:30 PM. Arrangements are being handled by the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to the Ohio Fire and Emergency Services Foundation, 450 W. Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 150, Worthington, Ohio 43085, Basil Joint Fire Department, 410 Washington St., Baltimore, Ohio 43105 or Huber Heights Firefighters L-2926, 7008 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights, Ohio 45524.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.

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

Published by Lancaster Eagle-Gazette on Mar. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Grile

Sponsored by Johnson-Smith Funeral Home - Baltimore.

11 Entries

Gary and Carol Snyder

March 4, 2022

Tom, we think of our times spent with you and Rose often. You fill our hearts with smiles and happy memories.

Jack and Wendy Burroughs

March 18, 2019

Tom and Rose were neighbors in Winding River, Bolivia, NC. We played golf together many times and enjoyed their company both in their home and ours.
Tom was a true straight shooter and was always ready to jump in on any challenge; the bigger the better. He was really proud of his kids and grand kids, spoke of them often. I'm a better person because I spent time with him. Rest In Peace my friend. See you in the next life......on the Heavenly Golf Course. Maybe I might even win a match there.

Gary and Carol Snyder

March 14, 2019

We met Tom Grile while planning and designing fire stations in the Dayton area. He quickly became a true friend, always there when you needed him and his big, bold personality filled the room. We have enjoyed many fun times with Tom and Rose. Tom will be missed, but he will always be in our hearts. Tom was a good man. We send our love and condolences to Rose and the Grile Family.

Dick RANO

March 14, 2019

Tom was one of a kind.
I played a lot of golf with him at The Snake.
Rest in peace.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

March 11, 2019

Our love and deepest sympathy to all of Tom's family, take comfort that he is at peace and watching over us all !
God Bless, Maria and Fred Cornell

Jennifer Calleja

March 10, 2019

Brian, We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jen & Chris Calleja

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Steven Budnick

Sent Flowers

Mary and Jim Howe

March 10, 2019

Our family is very sorry to hear of Tom's death. What a great guy, neighbor and friend he was! Many memories of Tom, as our Fire Chief, (therefore we got our street plowed quickly when it snowed); and the guy who got to decide if it was too windy for the 4th of July fireworks to go on as planned; the man who had a corvette that he hardly ever drove, but dusted often and cared for with gloves; the husband of one of my best friends and father of our son's childhood playmates and good friends.
The memories of living in Huber Heights will always include the Griles.
We send our heartfelt sympathy to his family and are very sad for their loss of this very special man. He left a legacy of service and love and we are proud to have shared part of his life. May God bless and comfort all.

Retired Chief Ronald Sowers

March 10, 2019

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Golf outing with the Boston Red Sox in 2018

William Baer

March 9, 2019

Listening to his lengthy explanation of why he was going to hit OVER the water on #9 at the Snake' rather than to take the longer route AWAY from the water. He would always answer that taking the long route AROUND the lake was for the OLD guys. He was always up for the challenge to get his parr, rather than to settle for something less. Golf truly defines the values of a person and golf did for Tom as it did for life. He will be missed but the memories will live on.

Bill BAER

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results