Art died peacefully in Phoenix, AZ. He was born in 1927 in Milwaukee, WI. His parents were Polish immigrants, Joseph and Placyda Grochowski. After graduating from Pulaski High School, nine months later, he was drafted into the US Army, serving in Japan during World War II. After returning home, he completed his Civil Engineer Degree at Marquette University. He then worked for the City & County of Milwaukee and married Marsha Kaminski in 1954.
In 1962, with four young children and Marsha, he relocated to Phoenix, AZ and started a new job in Phoenix, AZ as the City Engineer, retiring in 1990.
Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers, Connie, Rev. Edwin, and Walter, and oldest son Mark.
Art is survived by his wife Marsha and children, Gary, Alan, Tricia – married to James Farmer, Jean, and Glen – married to Cynthia Brown. Oldest son, Mark, died in 1999. Also, grandchildren Billy, Sam – married to Heidi, Joseph, Jimmy Farmer, step-grandchildren- Amber, and Heather, great grandchildren, Glen Farmer and Harper Grigg.
Art was generous, humble, selfless, devout, and the best husband, father, and grandfather ever. He will be so missed.
“God needed another Civil Engineer in Heaven”.
- Monday 8/30- Visitation 5pm and Rosary 6pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018
For those unable to attend in person the Monday 8/30 service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/
- Tuesday 8/31 – Visitation 9am and Mass 10am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Phoenix, AZ 85008
- https://www.facebook.com/stagnesphx/live
- Burial at St. Francis Cemetery to follow Mass – 2033 N. 48th Phoenix, AZ 85008
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent De Paul.
Bob Judge
I have find memories of Art from my college years when Glen and I were at ASU. I will remember Art as a quiet, humble, kind and generous man who dedicated his life to Marsha and the kids. He put his faith, family and ensuring his kids had the best education before himself. Art and Marsha would give me America West flight vouchers at Christmas (along with a huge plate of potato pancakes) which was a HUGE gift for a college kid. I liked to poke fun at Art and I think he enjoyed it. A life VERY well lived, he was lived and will be missed by many.
Loretta Sotelo (Gore)
Sending love to your whole family during this difficult time.
Joan Grochowski
Dear Aunt Marsha and Cousins,
When describing Uncle Art, you forgot to mention that he was the Best Uncle anyone could have. I have so many fond memories of him as a child, a young adult, and as an adult. In every facet of my life, Uncle Art was there to care for me, enjoy my company, and help me with anything I might need.
In so many ways, he reminded me of my own father, his brother Connie. Their generous spirit, love, concern, and devotion never wavered for me and all his nieces and nephews. I always felt his love.
As you may or may not know, I was born in 1949, so I did grow up with him in my life. He was a young man when I first came into the world. As I grew older, I would stay over night, at times, with him and Grandma and Grandpa on Lincoln Avenue and 27th Street, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the evenings, when Uncle Art’s day was done, I’d hang out with him. My favorite memory was when he would take me down to the store, when it was closed, and help me pick out a pint of ice cream ( which were in rectangular blocks in that day). We would take the long hike back up the stairs to the house and eat it together. NO Bowl, just the Carton, and just a spoon.
It was WONDERFUL! I could never have done that at home and have no idea how we got away with it with Grandma around!
I miss him, now again, and have ever since your move to Arizona. I loved him then and will continue to love him all the days of my life. I cannot imagine how much each of you has heart ache; but know, that in my heart I love each of you, will pray that God comfort you, and know that God will unite each one of us with him in HIS HOUSE.
Joan Grochowski
Mike DeMuro
Love and prayers from the DeMuro family.
Mike and Carol Gore
Love and prayers to you all
Bob Judge
I have very fond memories of Art from when I was at ASU with Glen. Art and Marsha would give me America West Travel Vouchers at Christmas (along with a big plate of potato pancakes) this was huge for a college kid. I’ll remember Art as a; gentle, kind, soft spoken man who put his family before himself. He served his country, city and faith community. I used to poke fun at Art about his “huge Wisconsin farmer hands”, I think he enjoyed it. He was loved by a big family and will be missed. Here’s to Art and a full life, well lived.
Jim Grochowski
My Uncle Art gave me many found memories during his long life. So many I cannot list here. But here is a small sample of how he impressed me.
To this day, at the age of 74, I still remember when I was 4 or 5 years old enjoying a huge blue bowel of popcorn at his mother’s home on Layton Avenue.
I still remember how he would help my father out at Layton Avenue Foods so we could take a rare vacation.
I still remember how sad I was when I learned he was moving from Milwaukee to Phoenix. And that I wouldn’t see him as often.
I remember when in 1966 how welcoming and hospitable he was when myself and a high school friend visited him in Phoenix. We stayed at his home for 2 or 3 days and he showed us the sites around Phoenix.
I certainly remember how consoling he was when my father, his brother, died in 1975. And after my father’s passing how frequently he visited my mother when ever he was in town.
I remember how loving he was to his brother at Lake Beulah when taking care of Father Ed who had ALS.
I remember how happy he was to make a donation to Marquette University to honor his immigrant mother and father for giving their family such a wonderful heritage.
I could go on and on how much he impacted our lives.
He surely will be fondly remembered by many people.
Rest in peace Uncle Art.
Mimi and John Winters
Even though the miles and time and a pandemic have separated us, we have carried the Grochowski family in our hearts. Remembering the good times at Saint Agnes and in our neighborhood. Art was always such an inspiration and a poster child for physical fitness. Daily Mass will miss his strong, devoted presence. It’s a shame that we can’t be more with people we enjoy being around. Ben sends his condolences also,
John Mimi Chris Ben Mara Joey Monica Francesca Winters
Ajay Govil
Dear Glen,
I could not meet your dad when you brought your mom and dad to DC, but I can tell how wonderful he must have been just by knowing you. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Linda Bryner
It was an honor and privilege to have met Art. I loved talking to him and listening to his stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marsha and his family.
Christine Brown
Dear Marsha and Family, My sincere condolences on the passing of Art. I remember him and your family fondly from summer outings with Fr. Ed and our family – Jerry and Janie Kulinski – at the lake house on Lake Beulah! What fun days those were! You should also know that as a former (now retired) MU employee I was touched by the memorial to Fr. Ed in the Engineering building. I would walk down from Johnston Hall to remember him and everything he meant to me and my family. It became a place to find calm and easy my soul while mom struggled with Alzheimer’s. She lost her battle in December of 2018.
Peace to you and your family,
Christine (Kulinski) Brown