John Edward Gromos

John E. Gromos, 86, entered into eternal life on Monday, August 24, 2026.

John is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 61 years, Rose A. Gromos (nee Shroba); loving sons, Jeffrey J. (Tsugumi) Gromos and John P. (Betsy) Gromos; loving daughters, Juli A. (Robert) DeCraene and Jodi L. (Brian) Hartman; cherished granddaughters, Katie (Michael) Arnold, Sarah (Nick) Barnowski, Angelina and Brianna Gromos, Ashley and Jessica DeCraene, and Ava Hartman; cherished grandson, Hunter Hartman; adored great-grandson, Tommy Arnold; precious great-granddaughters, Gracie Arnold and Parker Barnowski; beloved brother-in-law, Daniel (Linda) Shroba; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John S. and Mary (nee Ivan) Gromos; brother, Edward (Mary Jane) Gromos; dear sister, Lillian (Michael) Petrick; dear sister-in-law, Edna (Stanley) Kucharz; and dear brother-in-law, Edward (Camille) Shroba.

John dedicated 31 years of service as a postal supervisor at the Joliet and Plainfield post offices. A graduate of Joliet Catholic High School and Joliet Junior College, he remained active in his community as a member of the Rivals Club and the Old Timers Baseball Association, as well as a former member of the East Side Athletic Club. He had a lifelong love of baseball and served as an umpire for the Joliet Park District, Crowther Field, Crest Hill, and St. Joseph Pony Baseball for 30 years. For many years, he also faithfully served as an usher at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Throughout his life, John remained deeply devoted to his faith and family, leading with love, humor, joy, and a servant’s heart.

John took tremendous pride in his children’s academic and athletic accomplishments and faithfully attended their sporting events throughout their careers. That same unwavering love and support continued with his grandchildren, as he enthusiastically followed and celebrated their academic and athletic pursuits. His greatest joy was being present for his family and sharing in the moments that mattered most.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet. The funeral procession will then proceed to St. Carlo Acutis Catholic Church (formerly St. Ambrose) in Crest Hill for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at SS. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice or St. Carlo Acutis Catholic Church.

With heartfelt gratitude, the family wishes to thank the staff of Lightways Hospice and Willow Falls Assisted Living for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided.