Thomas W. Groccia, II

Thomas William Groccia II, 35, of Brookfield, MA, passed away on July 6, 2024, in a tragic car accident alongside his brother-in-law, Patrick McLeish. Tom and Pat shared an inseparable bond as brothers and best friends, their friendship enduring until the end.

Thomas was born on April 16th, 1989, in Southbridge, MA, and was raised by his devoted father, Thomas Groccia I, who deeply loved him and will miss him every day.

Tom was known for his strong work ethic. During high school, he worked at Roy Rogers while studying. After graduating, Tom pursued a career as a carpenter and later joined his father-in-law Brian's company, McLeish Builders, alongside Patrick. Most recently, Tom found joy in painting at Paragon Painting with his cousins John, Joey, and Nate Groccia.

In 2004, Tom met Christel at Tantasqua Regional High School, where they quickly fell in love and became high school sweethearts. Their love blossomed as they became inseparable. It was evident to all around them that they were meant for each other. Tom and Christel celebrated 20 years together, marrying in 2012, and were blessed with a beloved 7-year-old son, Thomas Groccia III. Tom took pride in building the home where they started their family, working alongside his brother Patrick and father-in-law Brian. Tom was a devoted family man who cherished his loved ones, including his loyal German Shepherds, Karma and Dakota.

Tom had a heart of gold and a contagious laugh that brightened every room. He adored his family above all else, especially his wife Christel and his son Tommy. He cherished spending weekends coaching Tommy's sporting events, which brought him immense joy. Tom had a passion for music, fishing with his family, dirt biking, camping, hunting, video games, and sports. He was an avid fan of the Celtics and Cowboys and enjoyed attending live concerts, particularly by Godsmack and Staind. He also enjoyed vacationing at the Cape with his family, and enjoyed cooking, especially Italian food, for family and friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Evelyn Groccia and his uncle and aunt John II and Dianne Groccia. He is survived by his loving wife, Christel Groccia, and their son, Thomas Groccia III, as well as his father, Thomas Groccia Sr., and father and mother in-law Brian and Tammy McLeish. He is also survived by his cherished aunt and uncles: Bob and Valerie Strzelewicz and Tod and Claire Groccia, his sister-in-law, Brianna McLeish and her boyfriend Sean Starrat, as well as by many loving cousins.

Tom also leaves behind a brother by choice, Steve Comtois, with whom he shared a deep bond for over twenty years. Tom and Steve enjoyed many adventures together, including dirt biking, fishing, hunting, camping, and bonfires. They shared a love for fireworks and a passion for music, especially Godsmack. Their latest journey was raising their children together. Weston, Steve's eldest son, was Tom's beloved godchild. Tom also had a goddaughter, Isabella Rondeau, daughter of Nathan and Shannon Rondeau, whom he loved very much. Tom and his family also enjoyed spending their time with childhood best friend, Dotti Blas, husband Jon Blas and their children.

Calling hours will be held at Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, on Wednesday, July 17th, from 5-7PM.  The funeral Mass will be held at 11AM, Thursday, July 18th, at Notre Dame Church, (please meet directly at the church) 446 Main Street, Southbridge. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tom’s wife and son, Christel and Tommy Groccia III. Donations can be made directly to Christel Groccia or through their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/1d748f01

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