Thomas Peter Grondin

Thomas "Tom" Grondin, 81, of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, after a courageous four-plus-year battle with blood cancer. Born on August 14, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Tom lived a life grounded in dedication, strength, and love.
A simple man with a big heart, Tom deeply cherished his wife, Cathy, of 55 years; his two sons, Peter and his wife, Heather, and Kevin and his wife, Julie; and his five grandchildren, Jack, Emma, Ryan, Lyla, and Ella.
Tom grew up in Waltham, MA, where he met Cathy on the local playgrounds while they were both working as playground instructors. After marrying in 1970 and honeymooning on Cape Cod, they settled in Hudson, MA, where they raised their family and spent 28 wonderful years on Hickory Lane.
Following his proud service as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army in Alaska, Tom began a 30-year career with Verizon as a cable splicer and lineman. Known for his hard work, expertise, and reliability, he earned the respect and friendship of everyone who worked alongside him.
Tom and Cathy enjoyed countless adventures with family and friends, including two fulfilling decades of retirement on Cape Cod-the same place where their journey as a married couple began.
A true gym rat and lifelong beach lover, Tom embraced each day with energy and enthusiasm. He loved the simple comforts of life: putting on a flannel shirt and jeans, settling into his recliner, and watching an action movie or a Hallmark Channel drama. A devoted Boston sports fan, he rarely missed a game and took great pride in following his grandchildren's many interests-from sports and debate to drama and dance. Nothing brought him more joy than their accomplishments. In Tom's final days, he specifically told his family that he wanted his obituary to say: "He loved his family."
To honor Tom's life, visiting hours will be held Monday, January 19, from 5pm –8 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen Street, Chelmsford. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 1:30 pm at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, Tom and his family kindly request donations in his memory be made to his granddaughter Lyla's blood cancer fundraiser. To donate, please scroll below the memorial trees and click on the link for Lyla's Student Visionaries of the Year Fundraiser.