Obituary for Francis J. "Skip" Groleau
Francis J. “Skip” Groleau, 78, son of the late Clarence and Mary Groleau, passed away on March 28th, 2021 at Berkshire Medical Center, with his family by his side.
Skip was born in Jay, Maine on October 26, 1942 and grew up in neighboring Livermore Falls. He graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree specializing in pulp and paper. His first job drew him to Dalton where he met the love of his life, Wadja. The couple married on June 22, 1968, at St. Agnes Church. His career first led them to upstate New York and then New Hampshire. Eventually they settled back in Dalton where he took a job with Crane and Company, where he remained for the rest of his professional career. Among his many accomplishments at Crane and Company, Skip was very proud to have contributed to the development of the anti-counterfeit innovations in our country’s currency.
Skip’s family came first; his wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was dedicated to supporting a home rich with happiness, opportunity, humor and security.
Skip was a problem solver by nature. He was equally comfortable and confident untangling tricky carpentry challenges, diagnosing your fussy car engine, building a magical playhouse for the grandkids, or crafting shaker furniture. His patience, creativity and precision were unrivaled. Many of his hobbies were conducted with meticulous detail which he at times admitted were worthy of a chuckle. Raised garden beds made with dovetail joinery comes to mind. A man with many interests and talents; woodworker, naturalist, musician and mechanic, he was always willing to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand. Skip was also a patient, devoted listener, always providing sound, thoughtful guidance and advice to loved ones.
Skip most enjoyed sharing his love of nature with his family and friends, from the coast of Maine to the trails of Berkshire County. For those of us who were fortunate to spend time with Skip, whether it was a hike to a mountain vista or a phone call to just check-in and chat, his kind spirit and positive energy will never be forgotten.
Skip will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Wadja Pado Groleau, and their two children, daughter Emily Hurley of Peterborough, NH (husband James and their children Sarah and Rachel) and son Jim Groleau of Gloucester, MA (wife Lisa and their children Sam, Charlie, and Rose). Skip is survived by his siblings; Elise, Ann, Teresa, and John. He is predeceased by sisters Paula and Lucille.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. DeLeo, nurse Kim, and the whole nursing and support staff at Berkshire Cancer Center for the many years of wonderful care.
Funeral services will be private. Celebration of his life will be held later in the spring. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com
Skip was born in Jay, Maine on October 26, 1942 and grew up in neighboring Livermore Falls. He graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree specializing in pulp and paper. His first job drew him to Dalton where he met the love of his life, Wadja. The couple married on June 22, 1968, at St. Agnes Church. His career first led them to upstate New York and then New Hampshire. Eventually they settled back in Dalton where he took a job with Crane and Company, where he remained for the rest of his professional career. Among his many accomplishments at Crane and Company, Skip was very proud to have contributed to the development of the anti-counterfeit innovations in our country’s currency.
Skip’s family came first; his wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest joy. He was dedicated to supporting a home rich with happiness, opportunity, humor and security.
Skip was a problem solver by nature. He was equally comfortable and confident untangling tricky carpentry challenges, diagnosing your fussy car engine, building a magical playhouse for the grandkids, or crafting shaker furniture. His patience, creativity and precision were unrivaled. Many of his hobbies were conducted with meticulous detail which he at times admitted were worthy of a chuckle. Raised garden beds made with dovetail joinery comes to mind. A man with many interests and talents; woodworker, naturalist, musician and mechanic, he was always willing to roll up his sleeves and lend a hand. Skip was also a patient, devoted listener, always providing sound, thoughtful guidance and advice to loved ones.
Skip most enjoyed sharing his love of nature with his family and friends, from the coast of Maine to the trails of Berkshire County. For those of us who were fortunate to spend time with Skip, whether it was a hike to a mountain vista or a phone call to just check-in and chat, his kind spirit and positive energy will never be forgotten.
Skip will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Wadja Pado Groleau, and their two children, daughter Emily Hurley of Peterborough, NH (husband James and their children Sarah and Rachel) and son Jim Groleau of Gloucester, MA (wife Lisa and their children Sam, Charlie, and Rose). Skip is survived by his siblings; Elise, Ann, Teresa, and John. He is predeceased by sisters Paula and Lucille.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. DeLeo, nurse Kim, and the whole nursing and support staff at Berkshire Cancer Center for the many years of wonderful care.
Funeral services will be private. Celebration of his life will be held later in the spring. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com