Obituaries: Joseph C. Gromoshak, Sr.

Joseph C. Gromoshak, Sr., 89, of Bristol, widower of Florestine (Blais) Gromoshak, died suddenly at his home on Thursday (April 7, 2015).  Joe was born in Harwinton on October 6, 1926 and was one of four children of the late George and Anna (Lesko) Gromoshak.  A lifelong Bristol resident, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II, serving on the troop carrier, USS Blackford.  After his Navy service, he served in the United States Army Reserve.  Joe had a distinguished career as a Bristol Police Officer.  He served as a patrolman before becoming a detective.  He was one of the first narcotics detectives with the Bristol Police.  He also was a founder of the Bristol Police Explorer Post.  After his retirement, he and Florestine wintered in Florida for 16 years.  Devoted to his family, he leaves his three children: Cindy Hewitt and husband, Bob, of Torrington, Gail McNamara and husband, John, of Bristol, and  Joseph Peter Gromoshak of Bristol; four grandchildren, Jason Hewitt, John McNamara Jr., and fiancée, Eva, Zachary McNamara and Jessica, along with their child, Margaret June “Maggie” McNamara, Joe’s great-granddaughter he adored, and Seth McNamara; great-niece, Stacy Soucy, great-nephew, Scott Schultz, great-great-nephew, Melvin Grant; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Florestine, in 2012, a son, Joseph C. Gromoshak, Jr, grandson Jonathan R. Hewitt, and his three siblings, George, Ann, and Shirley.  A memorial service and military final honors will be celebrated on Tuesday (April 12, 2016) at 11 AM at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home on Monday between 5 and 8 PM.    In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Bristol Police Benevolent Fund, PO Box 2014, Bristol, CT 06011-2014.  Please visit Joe’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com