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Roman Gronkowski Obituary
Roman J. Gronkowski, Former Treasurer of the City of Southfield, MI, passed away on Wednesday, September 28th in Palm Springs, California surrounded by his wife and children. He was 79-years-old. He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Ann Gronkowski of 32 years; sister Angela Ciarkowski; children Adele (Phil) Dupont, Roman A., Nicholas, and Juliette; step-children Thomas, Stephan, Anne Marie; 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.
Roman was born on February 17, 1937 in Hamtramck, Michigan. Throughout his life, he was extremely proud of his polish heritage. He attended Orchard Lake St. Mary's and graduated from University of Detroit. Roman moved to the City of Southfield in his early 20s working as an investment counselor. In 1967, he began his career in Southfield Politics. After serving two years as a councilman, Roman made a successful run for city treasurer; a post he held for 36 years until 2005. Roman won every campaign that he entered and remained the incumbent in his position until his retirement making him the longest serving treasurer in Southfield's history. The next year, Roman and Judy moved to Palm Springs to enjoy the warmer weather and to be closer to his children. Despite suffering serious health issues, Roman remained optimistic and he continued to enjoy the simple things in life. He never lost his sense of humor or his will to live.
Roman loved his family and friends and was loved by all who knew him. He enjoyed golf, reading, and spending time with his wife at their summer cottage in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. There will be a funeral held in his honor on Saturday October 22nd at Our Lady of Solitude, Palm Springs at 12:00 noon.
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Memories and Condolences
for Roman Gronkowski
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Marty Cardella
June 16, 2019
My condolences to the Gronkowski family
Ed wiesner
October 27, 2016
Uncle Roman was a kind and gentle man. I was reminded by my mom and my aunt Pat that he saved my life when I was about 3 years old. I had put a large amount of jelly beans in my mouth and began to choke. He responded by holding me upside down over the sink, and patting my back as the mound of jelly beans fell into the sink. I think everyone had a good laugh about it. He will be remembered.
Patti (Wiesner) Smutzki
October 25, 2016
Roman was my uncle. I have many great memories of him. As a young kid, I spent a lot of time at his house. He was very good to me. I recall working on the different elections, stuffing envelopes, and on election day hanging out at the voting facilities reminding everyone who they should vote for. As an adult, I would call him from time to time for advice. He always gave good advice. Although I haven't talked to him in recent years, he was never far from my thoughts or from my heart.
Thank you for being a great Uncle to me.
Rest in peace,
jerome przystup
October 24, 2016
Roman was a great friend, while I was working in the Planning Department in Southfield. I too am from Hamtramck and enjoyed lunches at the Polish Club. I never forgot him. God Bless.
Tommy Mondello
October 21, 2016
It was an honor and a privledge to serve Roman and his family as their Hospice social worker. May his soul Rest In Peace!
Peace and all good! Tommy Mondello, Medical Social Worker for Cambridge Hospice
October 20, 2016
Roman, your dad was an amazingly spirited man who loved his family and life, my heart is with you, much love, Gay
pat melton
October 19, 2016
Judy,Roman,Nick;Sorry for your loss, great guy always a pleasure to see him. Pat/Bonnie Melton
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