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Thomas Grykien Obituary
THOMAS J. GRYKIEN
AGE: 60 NORTH BRUNSWICK
Thomas J. Grykien died Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, at his home in North Brunswick. He was 60. Born and raised in New Brunswick, he lived there before moving to North Brunswick 36 years ago. Tom attended St. Peters High School (Class of '68) and was active in organizing his class reunions. He graduated from Middlesex County College with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, which he used personally if not professionally. He had worked as a boiler operator for over 30 years at Lyondell Basell Industries in Edison (previously known as Stauffer Chemical and Akzo Nobel), before retiring last month. Mr. Grykien was a communicant of Sacred Heart R.C. Church in New Brunswick. Tom will always be remembered as a loving and generous husband and father and an avid appreciator of the finer things in life: good food and good friends.
Surviving are his wife, Elaine M. Cehe Grykien; two sons, Daniel Grykien and his fiancé Katherine Crommeline of Burlington, Vermont, and Thomas Grykien of North Brunswick; a daughter, Christine Diaz and her husband Carlos of North Brunswick; twin granddaughters, Lidia and Ilona Diaz; and his lifelong best friend, Jimmy Sica and his wife Peggy of New Brunswick.
Funeral services will be 8:15 AM, Saturday from Selover Funeral Home, 555 Georges Road, North Brunswick followed by a 9:00 AM Mass at Sacred Heart Church in New Brunswick. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in New Brunswick. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home Friday from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 145 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08902 or at www.rmh-cnj.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Grykien
Mary Jane Pietila Slipsky
October 19, 2010
Dear Grykien Famil,
At St. Peters, I remember that Tom always had a smile on his face and brought laughter to everyone. I am grateful to him for planning the reunions -they also brought joy to so many of us.
Janet Cipot-Naumann
October 19, 2010
Dear Grykien family, So very sorry to hear about your loss. Tommy was such a sweetheart in high school, always a smile and good word. I only have good memories of him. It sounds like you had a beautiful life together. You are in my prayers. Janet
Marylou Kaiser (Keenan)
October 18, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about Tommy's passing. We hung out together in high school and I'll always remember "Somerset Street" and all the gang. May God welcome him with peace and love. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bob "Scoop" & Joan Lapczynski
October 18, 2010
Elaine and Family.
I just heard, today, about Tom's death. He was always a kind, friendly, and outgoing person when I knew him in high school. I regret that I did not make the opportunity, since I moved away, to keep in touch with him and to meet you and your family. I'm glad that I did get a chance to stop by to see him at the hospital when I was in town for the reunion. While we were catching up on what has been happening in our lives; it was clear to me that you and the kids are (and always will be) the greatest joy of his life. One can only wish that they will be as missed as much as he is, when they are gone. Joan and I send our deepest condolances.
Ken Sampson
October 18, 2010
Elaine & Family,
Even though I only got to know Tommy for a short time while I was at St. Pete's, I always enjoyed calling him a friend. Peggysue & I wish you and your family the best at this sad time.
Darlene Walters
October 17, 2010
Dear Elaine and Family,
We just heard about Tommy and are so sorry for your loss. He will always be St. Peter's "Mr. Sunshine" who brought a smile to our faces and a special warmth in our hearts for just being who he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Darlene & Pete
Jack Gallagher
October 17, 2010
I readily recall Tom as a gentle man among boys when we were young, one of whom we felt honored to be welcomed into his easy and genuine friendship, one who showed us how this life was less daunting and more to be enjoyed in each moment. While I didn't get to know Tom in his adulthood, it's reassuring to know that he carried this outlook on throughout his life. I'm certain Tom's shared similar reassurances with countless others lucky enough to have crossed paths with him, and certain he's missed. Tom Grykien made the world a better place to live in. Thank you Grik.
Peggy Giordano (Roppelt)
October 17, 2010
Dear Elaine,
I never met you but heard wonderful things about you & your family. I knew Tommy all through high school and than afterwards. I am good friends with Karen & Bobby King. I hope you will have the strength to move on and remember all the wonderful memories you both shared.
Carmela Winter
October 17, 2010
Dear Elaine and Family,
My deepest sympathy is with you and your family. Tom was such a special, happy and giving person. Whenever I think of Tommy I smile. He brought laughter to so many from our high school days all through out our adult years. He always had a way to make you smile even when he was suffering. He is at peace and watching over you....My prayers are with you.....Carmela Bellisari Winter
Carol Anderson
October 16, 2010
Dear Elaine and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. My heart goes out to you with hopeful thoughts and prayers that the joy of your life together and the love that connects you will ease your sorrow.
With much love,
Carol
October 15, 2010
To the Grykien Family -
I am so sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. He and his parents were my neighbors growing up and he was friends with my brothers - all good memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lolita Marcuzzi Lisankie
Sandra Bucci
October 15, 2010
Elaine and family, I am sorry for your loss. It seems like yesterday that you were getting married. Time passes too quickly. My sincerest sympathies. Sandra Weiss Bucci
Diane DeMeo
October 14, 2010
Elaine and Family,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Tommy. The Class of 1968 lost someone who really cared about all of us, and we will truly miss him as a friend to many. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill Labos
October 14, 2010
Elaine and Family,
May you all take comfort in knowing that Tom is in the arms of the Lord. Tom was always a nice guy and a friend to all. May he rest in peace.
With sincere sympathy,
Bill Labos SPHS '68
Bob and Karen King
October 14, 2010
Grykien Family and Sicas,
Bob and I can't tell you how sorry we are. We have such wonderful memories of our times with Tommy at St. Peter's. He was such a giving person and always ready to be there for his friends. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 14, 2010
Elaine & family,
This is such sad news. Everyone loved Tommy and will miss him & his smile. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers....can't begin to tell you how sorry I am.
Linda Bianco Grey
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