Philip H. Grondin
November 9, 1940 ~ September 25, 2017
Yarmouth - Philip H. Grondin, 76, passed away on September 25, 2017 after a brief illness surrounded by his family.
He was born the third of seven children of Robert J. Grondin and Laurence A. Giguere. He grew up on the family dairy farms, first at Twin Falls in Westbrook, then on the Grondin Farm in Gorham. His morning routine included delivering milk, and then picking up some of his Cheverus classmates in the delivery truck to go to school. He attended college at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, but came home early to help in the family business. He was a United States Navy Seabee Reserve, and in 1968/69 did a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Phil was one of the co-founders of RJ Grondin & Sons along with his brother Bob Jr. The company has grown over the years into one of the most respected construction companies in the state. During his career he was also one of the founding members of the Maine Aggregate Association, and the unofficial Minister of Travel for the Maine Better Transportation Association.
Before his retirement in 2004, he founded the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament, to have a fun bluefin tuna tournament with a worthy cause. Since its inception 20 years ago it has given over $750,000 to all seven Maine Community Colleges, the Dan Cardillo Foundation, the Byron Gouzie Scholarship Fund, fisherman's families who were lost at sea, and many other worthy causes.
Even with all of his achievements, his greatest love in life was his family and friends, who quickly became extended family. His life motto was "The more, the merrier!" His passions included their camp on Sturdivant Island and the many parties, weddings and family reunions held out there, singing, playing games with his family, going to casinos with his mom, skiing, big game fishing and hunting with his friends, catching mackerel with his children and grandchildren, birthday parties, extended "work" lunches, hootenannies, and travelling around the world.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bette; their son Phil Grondin Jr and his fiancee Marianne; their daughter Michelle Raber and her husband Jeff; their son Frank Grondin and his wife Pamela; their son Laurence Grondin and his wife Heather; his six grandchildren, Noah (19), Kyaira (16), Isaac (14), Elle (10), Stella (13), and Wyatt (11); his six siblings and their surviving spouses; and the hundreds of friends he made over a lifetime of giving, caring and love.
Visiting Hours celebrating Phil's life will be held on Friday, September 29 from 4-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 30 at 11AM at St. Anne's Church, 299 Main Street, Gorham. A private burial with Military Honors will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yarmouth. To view Phil's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Richards Wing at Maine Medical Center for their generosity of spirit and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, it would be Phil's wish that you hug your family close tonight. If you still would like to do something, please make a donation to the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament, 11 Bartlett Road, Gorham, ME 04038.
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Phil was a wonderful man, with a huge heart! Always thinking of others. We were sad to hear of his passing.
Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
With love and hugs,
Denise & Randy Olsen
– Denise Olsen
Our deepest sympathy to the Grondin extended family. I had the pleasure of working for the Grondin Family in the late 70’s. Phil was a generous man to all, he loved having family and friends around, and was often the life of the party or gathering. My wife Sherry and I enjoyed our friendship with Phil and Bette very much. My family fondly remembers the get-togethers and ice skating parties at their residence in Gray. We also have a nice memory of the time we looked after Phil Jr, Michelle, Frank, and Larry as we house-sat for Phil and Bette. Phil… may God receive you into His kingdom to rest in peace forever. – John and Sherry Michell.
– John Michell
Having grown up with Frank and spending so much time at Phill and Betty’s house (there were always people over and they were always so welcoming), I have too many great memories to recount but some of my favorite were of hunting in the north woods and fishing with Phil and Frank on the Michelle Anne, being there with Phil when he got that first giant Bluefin tuna. Thoughts and prayers, I’ll miss you Phil.
– Andrew Hutchings
Judy and I wish to extend our deepest condolences, and wish to let the Grondin Family know, we had the greatest regard for Phil. Tightlines, buddy.
John and Judy Shostak (Lion’s Den)
Augusta, ME
– John Shostak
My family and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. We will never forget a very kind deed that Phil (and his wife) did for us about 15 years ago. Short version of the story: Having never met us before, Phil graciously offered to host a special event, our wedding at sea! They made us all (guests, too!) feel very welcome and comfortable the entire time. We even did some fishing afterwards! In addition, they refused to accept payment from us. It wasn’t hard to see what wonderful people we were fortunate enough to meet that day!! Phil has clearly impacted many people’s lives over the years, and will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you all. -Shawn & Kim Murphy
– Kim Murphy
The island will sorely miss Phil but the place will never forget his enthusiasm and generosity. Thank God for kids and grandkids. Herb and Doris always treasured his visits and never doubted him when he said he was bringing a well drilling rig out for anyone who wanted a well. Thanks again Phil.
– Paul Strout
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family.
Chris and Barry Emmons
– Barry and Chris Emmons
So very sorry to hear this. Had many crazy fun adventures w/Phil & Bette back in the 70s via Maine Good Roads. Hugs to all.
Marilyn & Al…. Strout For Grout
– Al Strout
Dearest Philip,
You were a great man! You were loved by all and you will be missed by all!
Love,
Peter G
– Peter Graumnitz
So many memories with you Phil! We will miss you so much, but we truly thank you for your love and for being a special friend. We love you so much. Rest in peace dearest friend from Chuck, Cindy,Nick ,Becca,and Lucas
– Chuck and Cindy horton
Bill and I were in Maine visiting our friends, Walt and Ellen Stinson, and had the opportunity to meet Phil at the island lobster bake. We heard so many wonderful stories about Phil at that outing. I feel honoured to have been able to meet him. Gone too soon! My sympathy and prayers to all.
– Paula Barnhill
A hug to his family as well for him and the many good things he supported in his life. From a long-time scouter.
– Irene LeClaire
Steve and I are blessed to have been a Friend, Extended Family of Phil. He introduced us to his Lovely Wife and Soul Mate Bette who soon also became Friend and Family, as well as all of his wonderful Children , Brothers and Sisters and the best group of Friends . We enjoyed so many good times, laughs, jokes, stories & songs…Bobby McGee, Red, Red Wine…Phil, the Kindest, most loving and Generous man you would ever want to meet. Phil has Truly Touched ours lives in so many ways and will forever be in our Hearts. Love to the Family,.
Cathy Angel
– cathy angel
Dear Bette and the Grondin Family,
Phil and all of you have been a huge, lifetime blessing to Donna and me (or as we’re better known, Dana and Don). We love Phil. No past tense there, for Phil and our love will live eternally, thanks be to God.
The celebratory writing said his motto was, “The more, the merrier!” Donna and I are living proof of that. We were introduced to (and I’d like to say into) the Grondin family particularly through Jerry and Lou back in 1968. That’s 49 years, a special number as that is the time Phil and Bette were married (but Bette, your marriage will also live forever). Phil was unstinting in his giving of friendship to us, and making us feel very, very good as persons. That may well be a special gift he had. The celebratory writing also spoke of the “hundreds of friends he made over a lifetime of giving, caring and love.” Donna and I are living witnesses to the truth of that.
We will always cherish the memories of singing at Grondin campfires (Skip and Clare sometimes leading the singing), and all the other occasions in all four seasons of Phil and the Grondins welcoming us.
Phil was, and is, and should be, so proud of his family, as his family and friends (Donna and me included) are so proud of Phil and so proud to have been his friends.
I know Phil is singing with the angels now, and impressing them with his unique vocalizations. I have to wonder if he’s arranging a Tuna Tournament up there as well.
Peace and love,
Dana and Don Pellegrin
– Donna and Dan Pellegrin
Sweet, fun, loving man. He will be missed. Xo
– Melissa Burke
A wonderful family man and friend with a heart as big as the life he lived. When I married into the family, he always made me feel welcome as he did to all. Will miss him and his fun loving attitude. My prayers for Bette and their large wonderful family.
– Robert Morrill
Everyone at Moulison Heavy Elelectrical extend our deepest sympathies and want the family to know our thoughts are with you all.
Take care.
– Ken Moulison
Phil was a Wonderful, Generous, Loving and Fun Person…..who I always looked up to, and who I thought was The Leader of a Fabulous Family…..Very Successful in Business, but, even more so in Life. We are SO Grateful for some Tremendous Memories of Fun and Frolic…..Phil was a Giant in The Construction Industry in Maine, and he is Hugely Missed already. Deepest Sympathy and Love to the Entire Family……..esp. his Beloved Sister Bess and Husband Tom……Love, Glen and Stephanie York
– Glen York