William "Bill" Groski

William "Bill Groski, 46, passed away peacefully at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born November 8, 1961 to the late Joseph L. Groski and the late Charmaine M. Tevens in Niagara Falls, NY. Bill was a graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport and was a sales rep for Akzo Nobel supplying Glidden and Ralph Lauren paints to area Home Depot stores. His friends, colleagues and relatives will miss his infectious laugh and sense of humor. Bill was known for his hard work and diligence and poured his life into his land. After building his own house in Apex, he focused his attention on finely landscaping his five acre spread. He moved in over 200 tons of rocks and stones as well as hundreds of plants and trees and surrounded his house and one acre pond with beauty. He raised thousands of Kol and goldfish as well as the ever-present snakes, frogs and turtles and an occasional Heron. He transformed his yard into a park-like setting which is now a registered Backyard Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. He loved grilling, fireworks and bonfires and was known to attract the town fire department from time to time. Bill loved NASCAR (Mark Martin) as well as NFL football. He liked to visit upstate New York to eat at Mighty Taco, La Nova's and Twin Trees Pizza.
Bill had a real zest for life and found true happiness with his best friend and wife of 22 years, Kay, here in North Carolina. He loaded his house with a pinball machine, pool table remote control boats and other diversions for all to play. His brother couldn't understand how he ever found time to work including the folks from India, Argentina and Brazil.
In addition to his wife, Kay Bill is survived by their devoted friend, Colleen Tuff; his brother, Jim Groski (Nancy) of Buffalo, NY; his uncle, Stanley Groski (Jean) of Delaware; mother, Ruth McMains; uncle Worth McMains (Carey), Cynthia Barr (Mark), David McMains (Connie), John R. McMains (Christina), Suzanne Mayer (Tom), Amy Warner (Bob), and nieces, Sarah, Phoebe, Jenna and Ava and nephews, Grant and Andrew and Bill's cat "Mama Kitty"; cousins include: Worthy McMains, Mark McMains (Denise), John C. McMains (Cindy), Dan McMains (Susan).
Bill's family would like to sincerely thank the nurses, doctors and staff at CCU at Wake Med. Their quality of care and compassion means more than we can ever express with words.
Donations may be made in his memory to SPCA of Wake County.
A brief service followed by a cookout to celebrate Bill's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at his home in Apex, NC.