It is with profound sadness and immeasurable amounts of love that we say goodbye to a remarkable soul who was called home to his creator far too soon John E. Gromada. First and foremost, he was a dedicated and devoted father, Grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, sponsor, and life partner. He was an Artist, outdoorsman, cowboy, motorcycle rider, and a man of deep faith. Above all, he was a loving and generous soul whose life touched countless people in ways that will never be forgotten.

On September 26th, he would have celebrated 45 years of sobriety—45 years of recovery, faith, courage, and service. His sobriety was not simply a personal accomplishment; it became a gift he freely and gladly shared with anyone who was ready and willing to listen. Through his experience, strength, and hope, he helped people find a way forward when they could not see one themselves. He carried the message of recovery into his community and into the lives of so many people, saving lives through his willingness to sit beside another person, listen without judgment, and remind them that recovery was possible, and that makes him a hero.

John was a man who believed in giving back. He sponsored others, shared his wisdom freely, and never forgot where he came from. The impact he made on his community cannot be measured in numbers. It lives on in the people he helped, the lives he changed, and the hope he gave to those who needed it most.

He was also an extraordinarily talented artist. With his hands and his imagination, he could transform metal, wood, resin, and countless other materials into something beautiful and meaningful. Creating was simply another way he expressed the depth of who he was.

John loved the outdoors and lived life with a spirit of adventure. He was a gun enthusiast and spent as much time as he possibly could in god's country, hunting, fishing and exploring. If he wasn’t in the woods or fishing on the river he was on the porch Dunkin’ iced coffee in hand with his best friend, the one and only Todd Dog. He was a cowboy that loved to ride his motorcycle —tough around the edges at times, but with a heart that was tender, faithful, and deeply devoted to the people he loved.

John also had an amazing sense of humor. He had a way of making people laugh, even when they probably needed it most. His personality was larger than life, and his humor was something that made him unforgettable. And then there was his laugh—the most unique laugh you could ever hear. You always knew when he was laughing, because there was no mistaking it for anyone else’s. That laugh, his stories, his humor, his stubbornness, his strength, and his larger-than-life personality will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was a hard-working man who worked every day of his life painting houses to provide for his children and his family. He never stopped working, never stopped providing, and never stopped doing whatever he could to make sure the people he loved were taken care of. His hard work was one of the greatest ways he showed his love, and his children always knew how much he sacrificed for them.

His journey began early in life with a strong determination to keep moving forward. He attended Hampshire Regional High School, then Easthampton High School, and Smith Vocational High School, later attending welding school before earning his GED. While in high school, he ran cross country and was an incredibly fast runner—a true cross country track star. His strength, determination, and competitive spirit were evident from a young age and stayed with him throughout his life.

His faith was at the center of his life. He was the most faithful person his family knew, and his relationship with God shaped the way he loved, served, forgave, and lived.

John met the love of his life Pam and was devoted to her! Their love was something special bond built on trust, companionship, faith, and a lifetime of shared experiences and adventures. He was her partner, her protector, the Harold to her Helen and her sweet beloved.

He adored his two grandchildren Brooke and Blake and was honored and proud to have played the role of Grandpa G.

To his children, Megan and Sarah he was the best father. He always showed up, never missing a gymnastic competition or school recital. He Provided balance and stability and was always available to give advice. He never missed a phone call or a chance to spend time with his daughters. His love for his children was unconditional and unwavering.

His time here may have ended far too soon, but his legacy will continue through every person he helped, every work of art he created, every house he painted, every story he told, every lesson he shared, and every life made better because he was in it.

John’s experience, strength, and hope will live on. May he rest peacefully, reunited with the great spirit, the family and friends who went before him, knowing that the gift of recovery he so freely shared continues to live on through all of us. His love, his lessons, and the hope he gave so generously will remain a part of us, guiding us long after he is gone.  

A memorial motorcycle ride will be announced, please check back.