Elmer E. Gromley Sr., 96
October 13, 2011
Elmer E. Gromley Sr., 96, Burnside, passed away Monday, Oct. 10, 2011, at his home.
He was born Dec. 10, 1914, in Glen Campbell, a son of the late Obadiah and Lula Jane (Walker)
April 16, 1946, he married Trudell (Bingaman) Gromley, who preceded him in death April 17, 2011, after 65 years of marriage.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater as a staff sergeant, serving with with the 37th Division 129th Infantry Regiment.
He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Soldiers Good Conduct Medal, the Phillipine-Liberation ribbons with a star, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ribbon with two battle stars. Doughboys in his outfit saw action on Bougainville in the Solomons prior to their initial Lingayen Gulf landing on D-Day on Luzon. Then, the 129th knocked out Japanese resistance in the Fort Stotsenburg area before capturing Manila’s old walled city to culminate their 120-mile sweep through Central Luzon.
Mr. Gromley was a member of American Legion Post 6, of Clearfield, and the Pittsburgh Local Laborers Union.
He was a true family man and enjoyed his life with all his family and friends. He was a coal miner and construction worker, along with being a well-known woodcraftsman, blacksmith and a fine musician in his day. He was also an avid baseball player in the 1930s and 1940s.
Surviving relatives include three children, Elmer Gromley Jr., Kathryn A. Gromley, and William B. Gromley and wife Tracey; two grandchildren, Angela Gromley, Chad Gromley and wife Nalini; a great-grandson Andrew Gromley; four step-grandchildren, Dave Small, Katrina Clapsaddle, Kathy Wright and Joy Getch; several step-great- and great-great-grandchildren; his friends, Robert Crawford and Jimmy Crawford; and several nieces, nephews, wonderful neighbors, friends and special caregivers in his last few years of life.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by nine siblings, Cora Bennett, Bessie Trimble, Arron Gromley, Jane Baumer, Alice Carson, Charles and Henry Gromley, Nellie Truitt, John Gromley, Marie Pennington; and a daughter-in-law, Dot Gromley.
There will be no viewing. A private memorial service will be held at the family’s convenience.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Richard L. Fait Funeral Home, Punxsutawney.
Condolences will be received by mail at 9 Gospel Lane, Cherry Tree, Pa. 15724, or at faitfuneralhome.com.
