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John Grogan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Grogan
Colleen Mulholand
March 18, 2010
Jack was a great friend and a great mentor. He was able to give you things to think about and ways to improve your approach to things in a positive (and funny) way. Thanks for sharing him with us in the Fire Department. He was a gift.
March 12, 2010
Dear Anita and children,
My heart aches for your loss; Jack was admired by so many people, what a great man. May he now have carefree flight with the birds as they soar and forever hear their sweet songs.
In sadness
Cousin Re from Connecticut
Lawrence Dauch
March 11, 2010
During my 32 years as a School Administrator, Jack and Anita Grogan were the finest parents I have ever worked with. Extremely supportive, hard working, and dedicated to making public schools a better place for all students. It makes sense that Jack still was helping people. People always came first for him. Even as a parent at Bernal Intermediate School, in the 70's Anita and Jack worked tirelessly to make it a better place for students. Never one to criticize, but always willing to roll up his sleeves, get to work, solve the problem, and get the job done. He made Bernal Intermediate School a better place for all students.
Jack was always about helping people His children were excellent students and they truly represented the values that their parents supported. I cannot think of better people to represent any cause for the common good.
I am deeply saddened by your passing Jack. But I feel good that I benefited from knowing you and spending time with you. I learned so much from you.
I will miss you deeply, Jack. I am a better person for knowing you. Your positive, supportive presence made me a more effective leader. I love you very much. Anita and your children Dale, Becky must be so proud of you.
People like Jack Grogan only come around once in a while.
Skip Bloom
March 9, 2010
Jack has modeled the way for many of us Firefighters and CPR instuctors. He is and will always be a great example to everyone on how to treat people, how to prepare for the unexpected and how to get things done. Jack's legacy will live on forever. His work will have an impact on the world for a life time because of his beliefs, dedication, and work ethic. I am a better human for getting to know and learn from Jack! Thank you for all the people you have and will save through your passion and volunteer work here on earth. Also, Thank you for leading the way!!!
Skip Bloom
March 9, 2010
Jack has modeled the way for many of us Firefighters and CPR instuctors. He is and will always be a great example to everyone on how to treat people, how to prepare for the unexpected and how to get things done. Jack's legacy will live on forever. His work will have an impact on the world for a life time because of his beliefs, dedication, and work ethic. I am a better human for getting to know and learn from Jack! Thank you for all the people you have and will save through your passion and volunteer work here on earth. Also, Thank you for leading the way!!!
SC Leong
March 9, 2010
Dear Jack,
On behalf of the Singapore team, I thank you and remember you forever as the 'Godfather' who guided and helped us along all these years since 1995.
You showed us how to face difficult situations with calm and strength. I cannot count the number of hours you spent teaching our engineers and technicians. Needless to say, our folks look forward to every one of your visits.
Some of us remembered the 'scolding' you gave to any individual "if he/she did not inform you when visiting San Jose". You took it upon yourself to host every (well.... almost every) individual from Singapore.
In our darkest moments, you reminded us "there is always light at the end of the tunnel". Such encouraging words lifted many spirits while we soldiered on through each battle.
Even though you have departed, I strongly believe you continue to give each and everyone around you great strength to strive on. Your fatherly image is very fresh in my mind.
In our multi-cultural city, we too believe (as in Karma) that you have merely moved on in another form, continuing to help others somewhere else.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who belives in Him may not perish but may have Eternal Life " ..... John 3:16
Blessings from
SC Leong and Joyce
Heather Gallegos
March 8, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Few people make such a big impact on so many lives. I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Anita and your family.
Ian Felix
March 8, 2010
Jack was a great mentor of mine while I worked at IBM in the late 90s and I wish to pass on my condolence for his passing to the Grogan family.
I am sure these times must be hard to know that Jack is no longer with us, but I know that the mentoring that he did for me in my young career is something that I will never forget.
I recently went to a talk about how mentors have the job of picking the people they want to mentor.
The speaker said that a mentor must pick wisely, because it is the mentor's job to pass along his or her knowledge and it is never an easy job to do.
I will always be honored to have been picked by Jack, and I will do my best to pass along the lifelong knowledge that he taught me.
I am sure that when my days end on this earth, I can expect Jack to be waiting for me to show me the way as he did in his life.
Wanda Opheim
March 7, 2010
I was so saddened to hear the news of Jack's passing. What a privilege it was to have known him. His work has inspired me to continue my certifications for CPR and AED and volunteer my time to my community for a cause that saves so many lives! Jack's life should be an inspriration to us all - as a man who sacrificed his life for our freedoms, educated himself to better society as an electrical engineer, became a wonderful husband and family man, and then turned a tragedy in his life to use as a service in his community for the good of all. May God bless his family in the sorrowful time ahead until the day they will be united again.
Roy Kniveton
March 7, 2010
Jack was a kind and generous person who had a unique way of making others feel valued and important. We will miss his friendship and encouragement. My deepest sympathies to Anita and the family.
Shirley Leow
March 7, 2010
I know Jack through the 1st trip to Sanjose for product training, he was so helpful and patience explaining to us on some history of IBM. I loved him beyond words and I will miss him deeply. He will always stay in my heart.
Ed Mueller
March 7, 2010
Jack was a good friend over the many years at IBM. We will miss him.
Dick Grogan
March 7, 2010
He was the world's greatest Husband, Father, PaPa, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Friend, and, to me Brother.
I loved him beyond words and I will miss him deeply.
I love you brother
May God hold you gently in his hands and watch over you for eternity.
Love Dick
Fr. Kevin Fane
March 7, 2010
I'm a Catholic priest, a chaplain at Resurrection Hospital, Chicago IL, where Jack was brought in 2002 and where he underwent bypass surgery. I had the pleasure and privilege of coming to know Jack and Anita and of getting to see, and be with, them since then. Last fall I was their guest at the SCAA banquet when its convention was held in chicago. Our hospital, some staff and some people Jack met there, including myself, became very significant and special to Jack and his wife. As we all know, Jack was more about life than death; and life became more special to Jack after 2002. Whenever Jack returned to Chicago, came into our hospital and saw us, he beamed with a humble and happy joy to be alive and he beamed at the place and at us with kindness, appreciation and gratitude. I was shocked to learn of his sudden death. But, as I try to adjust to the loss his death brings, I think of him as coming to fullness of life in God's kingdom and beaming brightly, in the fullness of light, with kindness, appreciation, and gratitude to meet his Maker and to look back on all those he left behind.
Colleen Grogan-Gann
March 7, 2010
My dad was the best dad in the world. He taught us that family comes first, no matter what. He believed that honesty is the best policy and you should always treat people with respect. He loved to have fun and to laugh, and his favorite times were when his family was all together. When you talked to him he made you feel that you were the most important person on the earth. When ever you talked to him he would tell you that he was proud of you and always end the conversation by saying, :"you are in my thoughts and prayers, love you". He taught us how to do so many things like swim and dive, and camp. Out trips to Disneyland were some of our most fun times. We tried to keep up with my him and knew that if a band started to play we would be in luck to watch a parade.
My dad wanted us to be happy and he would break his neck to do what ever that took. If he asked you. "How are you?' and your answer was, "good". "Just good?", he would say. He wasn't happy until you were "great"--and he would figure out what that would take and then make it happen.
My dad taught us about life and how to overcome challenges and to look at life in a positive way. We need him now more than ever to over come this challenge.
Although he worked in the hard disc drive industry he did not know how to program a VCR and was proud of himself when he was able to download songs on an IPOD and send text messages. I remember one time when I was little he was working on one of our cars and he looked at the engine and then turned to my sister and I and said, "One of your girls is going to need to marry a mechanic."
We were blessed to have such a wonderful dad with such a big heart. He would have been overwhelemed with out pouring of love and support over the past week.
Our family wishes to thank all of you for your cards, phone calls, flowers and support we have appreciated each and everyone. The stories you share are especially helpful.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we face two of the hardest days ever.
Dad, thank you for all that you have taught me. I hope that I can be half the person you were--I love you so much. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Colleen
Tami Grogan Kroening
March 7, 2010
To Know my Uncle is to Love Him.... The world has a lost a wonderful, loving, compassionate, dedicated man. I have lost the "bestest" Uncle a niece could ask for. As I begin to enter the world of EMT I will strive to make my Uncle proud and continue on with his legacy. I love you Uncle Jack!!!
kelley Grogan
March 6, 2010
To so many people Jack was an amazing life-changing person, but to his grandchildren he was--and still remains--the best grandfather that has ever lived. He is still around us and the comfort of his smile in pictures is enough to get us through this hard time. Thank you to all who have supported our family and have sent their love. -Kelley Marie
Tami Grogan Kroening
March 6, 2010
The world has lost a wonderful, loving, caring man.. I have lost the "bestest" Uncle a niece could ask for. His love and compassion will live on in my heart forever. As I get ready to start my life as an EMT I will remember all that he gave and strive to make him happy. I love you Uncle Jack!!!
Dwight Mensinger
March 6, 2010
To my fellow survivor and friend: You were there to show me the way with my own borrowed time, because you knew what I was experiencing. In your 8 years of being a survivor, you saved more lives than most doctors will save in their lifetime. You gave a gift to humanity that will continue on well into the future. Through your selfless giving, your generosity, your sacrifices, and your love of living, you truly defined what a real hero is! As President Reagan said: "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." Semper Fi, my friend - say "HI" to Chesty for me!
Peggy Blessing
March 6, 2010
Jack was one of those wonderful people who always made you feel special -- but it was really just a reflection of who he was. I wish I could have spent a little more time with cousin Jack (and family). But you didn't need to spend alot of time with him to realize he would remain in your heart and mind for the rest of your life.
My deepest sympathies to Anita, children, Richard and the rest of the family and friends who were fortunate to have Jack in their daily lives.
Scott Campbell
March 5, 2010
I first crossed paths with Mr. Jack
Grogan 6 years ago. I am a better man for it. To Jack's Family, we have lost a valuable resource here at the San Jose Fire Dept. More importantly, we have lost a dedicated, passionate and loyal friend. Jack, we miss your station visits, stories and kindness. Your tireless efforts will not go unfinished.
Cary Chien
March 5, 2010
Mr. Grogan was kind, humorous, and passionate about his work on AEDs. I enjoyed working with him and I know he will be missed by many.
Cindy Bifulco
March 5, 2010
Jack thought of me as one of his "heros", but I was lucky enough to call him my friend. He now flies with the angels.
J.C. Vera
March 5, 2010
I worked with Jack in the early 90's at IBM San Jose. Although I was just a youngster then and he was a 'big cheese', he made me feel like one of the gang. He spent hours explaining IBM to me. Now years later, I still remember that and try to emulate him when I meet a new IBM'er. What a wonderful man. I'm sorry for your loss.
Ann Webb
March 5, 2010
I knew Jack though his playing at St. Julie’s, through our neighborhood at Rancho Santa Teresa and of course, by working with him at IBM. My most vivid memory was his kindness in presenting me with flowers on Secretary’s Day- a wonderful gesture as I was only a “temp” at the time. It was that kindness and thoughtfulness which so exemplified Jack. Deepest sympathy.
Tom Mounts
March 5, 2010
Jack was an apostle, in the truest sense of the word. He spread the good news about CPR and AED, and what they could do to save and change lives. I respect his passion and commitment. He will be sorely missed, but, more importantly, fondly and respectfully remembered.
Renee Tolero
March 5, 2010
Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, I have referenced his efforts when teaching about AED's and CPR. I will continue to do so that his efforts will live on, as his memory will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he has touched. Thank you Mr. Grogan. My heartfelt condolences to your familiy and friends. Y
Lynn & Ed Furtado
March 5, 2010
Jack, was the greatest,husband, father
friend, neighbor that anyone could ever
know, we were blessed to have been his
neighbor for so many years. God Bless
Anita and Family.
Lynn & Ed Furtado
Jamie V
March 5, 2010
I am the interim AED coordinator for Waste Management, Kettleman Hills Facility in Central California. I am pushing our site to have at least 20% of our personnel trained in the use of our AED's. I am so sorry for your loss. What a great man! My condolences...
Linda Tsai
March 5, 2010
Jack stood for life and embracing it. I miss him dearly and will remember him always.
Carolyn Grogan Jimenez
March 5, 2010
With our broken hearts, Michael and I, send you our deepest sympathy, all our love and abundance of prayers. My Uncle will be missed more than any words could ever be expressed.
Jim Gibson
March 5, 2010
I had only met Jack on 3 or 4 occaisions but had grown to like his personality & story telling. Rest in peace, Marine.
Dick Grogan
March 5, 2010
He was the world's greatest Husband, Father, PaPa, Uncle, Brother-in-Law, Friend, and, to me Brother.
I loved him beyond words and I will miss him deeply.
I love you brother
May God hold you gently in his hands and watch over you for eternity.
Love Dick
S
March 5, 2010
We are sorry for the Grogan family's loss of Jack. We are grateful that we had him here on earth for as long as we did, making this a better place to be.
C H
March 5, 2010
I met Mr. Grogan a few years ago at a First Aid/CPR training given through SJFD. He conveyed his passion and the importanace of CPR and the use of the AED machine. It was because of his story that he shared that I continue to keep my CRP/AED training up to date in the event that I can save a life. You will be missed Mr. Grogan
Hank Rome
March 5, 2010
I just read this story. Thank God for people like him. I wish I had known him.
Gary & Barb Lofgren
March 5, 2010
Our thoughts are with all the Grogan family during this time, we are so sorry for your loss.
Michael Grogan
March 5, 2010
My Uncle Jack was a great American and a devoted family man. There is no doubt he left the world a better place.
Bob O'Brien
March 5, 2010
I would like to share with Anita and Jack's family and friends my sincerest condolences for their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jack was an incredible man, and did more for mankind after this first sudden cardiac arrest than most people will ever do in a lifetime. Through his efforts, many lives have been saved. He is an inspiration and will always be remembered for his contributions. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know this wonderful man.
Bill Brecheen
March 4, 2010
I'll miss our chats at the local Starbucks, Jack. A lot of philosophy and a lot of nonsense.
Semper Fi, my friend.
m a
March 4, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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