Grospitch, Deacon Harry J.
Harry J. Grospitch, 86, of Tolland, beloved husband of 64 years to Jeanne E. (Choleva) Grospitch, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, February 11, 2024. Harry was born on September 21, 1937, in Berea, OH, one of five children to the late Ralph and Theresa (Krysh) Grospitch.
Harry grew up in Berea, attended local schools and was a graduate of Berea High School, Class of 1955. His commitment to education continued as he pursued and achieved a master’s degree. Harry embarked on a successful automotive career, starting at Buick Motor Division at GM, ultimately attaining the esteemed position of Zone Manager after 22 years. Transitioning to the private sector, he became President and owner of Cardinal Buick in Manchester, and later Harborside Buick, Pontiac, GMC of Norwich. Harry answered his religious calling, becoming an ordained Deacon in the Norwich Diocese. His dedicated service extended to St. Bernard Church, Rockville, and the Church of St. Luke, Ellington, where he touched countless lives with his compassion, understanding, and unwavering devotion for over two decades. Known for his kindness and love, Deacon Harry left an indelible mark on his parishioners. Beyond his professional and religious endeavors, Harry cherished moments with his family, embracing lake life, boating, water skiing, and sharing the golf course with his children and grandchildren. An avid hunter, fisherman, and former modified stock car driver, he had an enduring passion for auto racing. Harry, alongside his beloved Jeanne, explored the world through their shared love of travel, creating cherished memories abroad. Harry truly embraced life, living it to the fullest.
In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by his four children, Robert Grospitch and his wife Cindy of Tolland, Ginger Grospitch and her husband Joel Kendrick of Jacksonville, FL, James Grospitch of Tolland and Crissy Stinson and her husband Shane of Palm Coast, FL; his eight grandchildren, RJ Grospitch and his fiancé Bailey Domingos, Matt Grospitch and Sara Niedziejko, Brett Grospitch, Logan Kendrick and his fiancé Bree Watkins, Faith Stinson, Alexa Stinson, Wade Stinson and Dr. Alex Ward; his two sisters, Lucille “Sue” Emerick and Dorothy Veeder and her husband Vern; his sister-in-law Jackie Grospitch, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Papes, and his brother, Michael Grospitch.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 16, beginning at 1 p.m., at the Church of St. Luke, 141 Maple St., Ellington. Guests attending Mass are asked to please go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cornerstone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 2036, Vernon, CT 06066 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Ste. 4B, Southington, CT 06489. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.