"To Tommy?s Family, very sorry we missed his notice in the paper. My husband Lou & Tommy were good friends. They were involved in car racing. They had great respect for each other and unfortunately time passes and they didn?t keep in touch as of late. But Lou has very good memories of them both and lots of pictures. So God bless you all and the memories will help sooth the hurt. Sincerely, Lou & Noreen Zefferi"
In loving memory of
Thomas D. Grenga
October 5, 1940 - October 25, 2021
Thomas D. "Sonny" Grenga
GREECE - October 25, 2021. Tom is predeceased by his sister, Ceil Amalfi. He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Mancini) Grenga; daughter, Toni (Jeff) Williams; grandchildren, Angelina Williams, Isabella Williams & Tim Williams; sisters, June Katz & Kathy White; several nieces, nephews, dear friends & his North Greece Fireman's Family.
Tom's life story will be shared during his visitation, Friday, October 29th, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral service will be celebrated, Saturday, October 30th, 10 AM at the funeral home. Followed by his interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Thomas "Sonny" Grenga was born October 5th, 1940, in Syracuse, NY to parents Angelina and Gaetano Grenga. He was the perfect example of a gentleman; kind, humble, strong, and faithful.
He had 3 sisters: Ciel the eldest, June the middle, and Kathy the youngest. He later married Kathy (Mancini) Grenga. Their family grew to include a daughter Toni-Marie, son-in-law Jeff, and three lovely grandchildren Angelina, Isabella and Tim.
He loved animals, but pets were a big no-no in the Grenga household (his wife loved keeping the house clean and in perfect order). Growing up, though, his father brought home a monkey which promptly got stuck in a tree and needed rescuing by the fire department.
Sonny was a man's man, but always surrounded by women his whole life, so he got a breath of fresh air when a man came around to bond with. But I bet he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The love he shared with his sisters lasted a lifetime, carrying each other through the good times and the bad ones.
Family was his number one priority and all his actions reflected that. His wife would say, "so-and-so needs such-and-such," and he would gladly be the first person there to help.
Sonny went to the University of Illinois and played football with Dick Butkus, which he never failed to mention. School wasn't his favorite thing - he just went there to play football, really, where he excelled as a cornerback. He decided to serve his country, which he loved deeply. He first became a Coastguardsman, then later went on to become a Green Beret and a special forces paratrooper. The final way he served our country was in the Air Force reserve.
He was an EMT, but his real dream was to become a firefighter. This was always a challenge, though, since one year he was too short and another his eyesight was too poor. He couldn't magically get taller, so he decided to practice and memorize the eye chart, instead. Finally, he met their requirements and was able to secure a spot as one of the first paid North Greece firemen - Badge #5 and head of the Union, too!
He was such a simple man who was easily satisfied. If you brought him a tuna sub, he'd act like you gave him a million bucks! He said he loved tuna so much that, if they ever made tuna flavored gum, he would chew it all day long.
Aside from his love of tuna, he enjoyed racing URC sprint cars, listening to country music in his truck, working out, reading, watching the bills during football season and Syracuse during the basketball season.
He was so grateful for every little thing and was everyone's biggest fan. He genuinely listened to others and rarely talked about himself. He gave those around him so much credit and acknowledged even the smallest things.
Most importantly, we will always remember what a great husband he was and how much he loved his beautiful wife, Kathy - his girl. Other than the Lord, his wife was his everything.
She cleaned house for Sonny's sister Kathy, who originally introduced them and set them up. From then on, they became the couple that everyone looked up to and confided in for advice. "A good-looking couple, too!" was a famous quote from his mother.
The most important thing in his life, however, was his everlasting relationship with the Lord. Throughout his life, he was a humble servant to the Lord. Even through his sickness, he was strengthened by his love for the Lord and was never afraid since he was eager to finally reach heaven.
Despite how weak he was at the end; he would still reach over to his nightstand to pick up his cross and kiss it whenever he felt the desire to. Even in the last hour of this life he grasped onto his cross.
Tributes
"Toni and family Our prayers are with all for God's peace during this difficult time. A wonderful ma has left this earth. God gave him his desire, he is at home now in the arms of Jesus. Next door neighbors and friends for the past twenty years has been a blessing. We will miss the many conversations regarding politics, religion, sports, we covered it all ending with some frustration and many laughs. A better neighbor we could never have had. Eternally brother and sister in Christ. Peace to all. "
"To Tom's family. Tom will be greatly missed and I have lost a Brother Firefighter, Veteran and friend. Tom and I would talk about our time in the service and tell stories about being in the Air Force Crash/Fire/Rescue Service. During the past couple years he enjoyed my visits to his home and a hot cup of coffee. Tom would always order it with cream and sugar. I will miss my friend but I know we will meet again in the Lords Firehouse. To his family may you be with the peace of having a great man touch your life. Rest in Peace My Friend."
"To Toni & Jeff, Angelina & Isabella, June and Kathy, my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of Sonny. He was by far part of the greatest generation. All the card games and get togethers we shared with he and Kathy and all the laughs, it's something I will always carry close to my heart. He was the best cousin anyone could ask for. I know for sure he's sitting in the presence of the Lord and an angel he will be. May all of our hearts feel less heavy each day for to know Sonny was to love him. May he rest in peace. Eileen"