Romolo John Gronda, 82, of Manchester, beloved husband of Jean Coffey Gronda for 58 years, passed away Feb. 26 after a brief illness. Born Jan. 10, 1931 in Hartford, the son of the late Remo and Emma (Biola) Gronda. John retired in 1993 from CIGNA's investment division after 39 years with the company. John was a graduate of Hartford Public High School (1949) and the University of Hartford business school (1962). He joined the U.S. Army after high school. John was a faithful communicant at St. Bridget Church and was active in the Boy Scouts with his sons. He enjoyed painting, gardening, traveling, the beaches of Old Saybrook and the UConn Huskies. John was happiest when surrounded by his large family during frequent gatherings and celebrations, where he entertained his children and grandchildren with his puns. He leaves his loving wife Jean and his devoted six children and their spouses: Elizabeth and James Michalik of Knoxville, TN; Stephen Gronda of Glen Cove, NY; Richard Gronda of Seymour, CT; Teresa and Michael Soltys of Southington, CT; Patricia and Jay Moran of Manchester, CT; and Robert and Kelley Gronda of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Also, the light of his life, his 20 grandchildren and spouses: Nathan (and Katie), Joe (and Katherine), Sam (and Layna), Matt (and fiancé Sarah Hope), David and Michael Michalik and Julie (and Zach Cochran); Kelsey Gronda; Heather and Melissa Gronda and Stephanie (and Kevin LaBonte); Katie, Sean, Christie and Jason Soltys; Kristen, Elizabeth and Jamie Moran; and Emma and Liam Gronda. John also leaves three great grandchildren: Elijah, Eden and Caroline. He is pre-deceased by two grandchildren Benjamin Soltys and Julia Moran and his brother Enzo Gronda. He is also survived by in laws Sr. Marie Coffey, Kay Coffey, Joan Gronda, John Joy and many nieces and nephews who were close to his heart. Calling hours are Friday from 4-8 p.m. at Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center St., Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget in Manchester, preceded at Tierney's at 10:15 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the John Gronda Memorial Scholarship, Manchester Scholarship Foundation (a 501c3), 20 Hartford Rd., Manchester, CT 06040. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.