Edmund Groncki

EDMUND J. GRONCKI, 87 BELOVED FATHER AND GRANDFATHER ROCKFORD - Edmund J. Groncki, 87, a lifelong resident of Rockford died Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, in his home, with his cherished granddaughters by his side. Born Sept. 4, 1922, son of Alexander and Stella (Domkoski) Groncki. Graduate of East High School. Edmund was a World War II veteran, serving in the Navy Air Corps. He then went on to receive his bachelors in engineering from Tri-State College. Married his loving wife, Nellie Biasin on Feb. 23, 1952, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church; she preceded him in death in 1993. Edmund's engineering career was rewarded when he was chosen to be the lead civil engineer directing the vision and development of the Greater Rockford Airport. He continued his career as a civil engineer for Sjostrom and Son's until his retirement. A lifelong member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and an avid hunter and gardener. His real "life style" was his passion and devotion to fishing. He enjoyed annual trips to Canada, and his last cast was in 2007 with his sons. He adored the time he spent with his family and his granddaughters. He was a true gentleman that will be greatly missed by all. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank- you to his caregiver, Nadya Podunova, for without her, he would not have stayed at home, and to his special friends, Harry Janczak and Randy Osborne. Survivors include sons, Michael (Terry) of Roscoe and Richard of Rockford; granddaughters, Elizabeth (Kevin Raica) Groncki of Rockford and Jessica (Marc) Gorski of Roscoe; and brother, Al (Helen) Groncki of California. Predeceased also by parents, and sister, Irene Richardson. Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 201 Buckbee St., with Franciscan Friars officiating. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Mausoleum. Visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Road. A rosary service will be held before Mass in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to: Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 4223 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108 or Ducks Unlimited, Inc., One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com.