John G. Gromann, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Brighton Gardens Assisted Living in West Orange. Visitation will be at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home of Livingston, 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave., on Wednesday, 3-8 PM. The Funeral Mass celebrating his life will be offered at St. Joseph's Church, 44 Benvenue Ave., West Orange, on Thursday at 10 AM followed by the entombment service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the N.J. Foundation for the Blind, 230 Diamond Spring Rd., Denville, N.J. 07834 would be greatly appreciated.
Born in Mountainside Hospital, he grew up in Bloomfield before moving to West Orange many years ago. John received his BA in Socialogy from Seton Hall University and his Masters from Columbia University. Being blind himself, as was his wife, Helen, he was a field manager for the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired for many years retiring in 1987. He and his wife, Helen, founded the Foresighters, a support group for the blind and visually impaired and, as members of the N.J. Foundation for the Blind, both received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Education Service of NJ Celebration '95. He was an active communicant and volunteer at St. Joseph's Church, West Orange and was a member of West Orange Knights of Columbus Council #5519 and was a Third Degree Knight. He was also a member of the American Blind Bowling Association. John enjoyed fishing and was an active ham radio operator.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Helen (McGrath) and his survived by his loving brother William and many caring nieces, nephews and dear friends.