Bernard A. Gronowicz

PETERSBURG, FL/GARDNER- Bernard A. Gronowicz, 97, of Largo, FL, formerly of Gardner and Otter River, died Saturday, October 7, in Largo. Mr. Gronowicz was born August 22, 1920, in Gardner, son of the late Adam and Veronica (Kotoski) Gronowicz. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1938. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corps 34th Photo Recon Squadron in Europe during World War II. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and was the first crew chief with 50 unaborted missions. Mr. Gronowicz retired after 35 years with New England Telephone and Telegraph in 1982. He served for many years as a volunteer firefighter in Otter River. Following his retirement, he moved to St. Petersburg, FL. He was a member of the Ovila Case VFW Post #905 in Gardner. He was an avid fan of Boston sports teams and particularly enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Bernadette M. (Baczewski) Gronowicz in 2010. He was also predeceased by his brother, Rudolph in 2009, and Suzanne in 2012. He leaves his son, Bernard H. Gronowicz and his wife, Susan of Largo, FL; two grandsons, Bernard J. Gronowicz of Winchendon, and Matthew S. Gronowicz and his girlfriend, Caroline Dawson of Westminster; many nieces and nephews. A calling hour will be held Saturday, October 14, from 9:15 to 10:15 A.M. in Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Funeral Home, a Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner. The funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 A.M. in St. Martin Church, 248 State Rd., Otter River. Burial with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery in Gardner. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 Fifth Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-8750. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks – A Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is assisting with arrangements.