Thomas Grenci Sr.
Thomas Grenci Sr. of Florida, formerly of Montauk, died at his home on Thursday, December 1. He was 76.
Born April 3, 1935, in North Babylon to Salvatore Rosario Grenci and Vinceza Grenci (née La Barbera), he graduated from Babylon High School and served in the National Guard from 1952 to 1955 as part of the 147 Tank Battalion Rainbow Division at Fort Drum. In 1958 he moved to Montauk full time to work as a State Parks police officer, in which he would oversee five state parks. He later became a park foreman when the State Parks department eliminated the police officer position.
According to Mr. Grenci’s son-in-law, Glenn Keefer, Mr. Grenci was always one to run to the rescue.
Occasionally he worked for the East Hampton Police and in 1967 began volunteering with the Montauk Fire Department, where he served as emergency medical technician, assistant captain, and chief for two years.
In 1970, he became the parks maintenance supervisor for the Montauk Downs Golf Course.
Mr. Grenci was a believer in living life in the present, family said.
“He’d tell me over and over, ‘Glenn, the golden years are the years when you are strong and healthy enough to enjoy the company of your family,’” Mr. Keefer said. “‘Don’t wait for retirement; the time to enjoy your family and life is now.’”
He is survived by his children, Thomas Grenci and his wife Lisa of Montauk and Christina Grenci Keefer and her husband Glenn of Illinois; siblings, Albert Grenci of North Babylon and Gabriel Grenci of West Islip; five grandchildren, Sean, Anna, Thea, Eva and Tommy; eight nieces and nephews; and special friend, Marie Galassi. He was predeceased by his wife Romona in 1998, and siblings, Rae Lipolis and Salvatore Grenci.
A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, December 6, at St. Therese of Lisieux in Montauk. Interment followed at Fort Hill Cemetery also in Montauk.
Memorial donations may be made to the Montauk Fire Department, 12 Flamingo Avenue, Montauk, New York 11954.
on Dec 20, 2011