Harry L Gromley

Harry Lee Gromley, 85, went home to be with the Lord (we hope) on May 13, 2021. He was born in Akron, Ohio on February 27, 1936 to Harry and Cora (Reed) Gromley. Harry was a graduate of Hower High School and veteran of the United States Army. He retired from the Ohio Edison after forty-three years of service and was a master electrician and creative carpenter. He rewired several homes in Akron in his lifetime, so one can say that he made Akron ‘a brighter place to live’. He was also a lifelong member of Park United Methodist Church, and was a proud Mason of Victory Lodge.

Harry loved to socialize and had a few regular spots where he would ‘hold court’, such as Jimbo’s at the Acme. He befriended all of the workers and waitresses, and treated them all like family. Even the shoppers couldn’t get through the entrance doors without a ‘shout out’ or a little harassment from him. Another hangout of his was The Coffee Shop on Kenmore Boulevard. There, he would socialize with the Mayor of Kenmore (Don Gromley), Doc Roberts, Bobby Espy, and several other of his Kenmore chums. They would loudly argue over politics, raising kids or football, but they always leave as friends. Once the Coffee Shop closed, he moved onto Fa-Rays where he had his own booth. Most people had no chance of escaping his playful badgering while dining.

‘When Harry met Sandra’ (his wife), she was a majorette and a talented twirler. They were married in 1958, and had three children together: Mark Gromley, David Gromley, and Amy (Gromley) Heffernan. Their children were mentored, directed, punished, needled, scolded, lectured, supported and loved by their dad. Harry has several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who each have countless stories to share about him and his antics. He was also a dog enthusiast and considered his dogs as family members.

Some ‘Harryisms’ include: “If you’re writing a book, leave this chapter out.” “Wait, wait, weight is what broke the wagon.” “I am under constant pressure."

Funeral Services will be held 12 Noon Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at the Schlup Pucak Funeral Home, 788 Kenmore Blvd, Akron. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. when Victory Lodge #649 F.&A.M. will conduct a Masonic Service. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.