Philip H. Grondin

PORTLAND — Philip H. Grondin, 76, passed away on Monday, Sept. 25, after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

He was born the third of seven children of Robert J. Grondin and Laurence A. Giguere. He grew up on the family dairy farms, first at Twin Falls in Westbrook, then on the Grondin Farm in Gorham. His morning routine included delivering milk, and then picking up some of his Cheverus classmates in the delivery truck to go to school. He attended college at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, but came home early to help in the family business. He was a United States Navy Seabee Reserve, and in 1968-69 did a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Phil was one of the co-founders of RJ Grondin & Sons along with his brother Bob Jr. The company has grown over the years into one of the most respected construction companies in the state. During his career he was also one of the founding members of the Maine Aggregate Association and the unofficial minister of travel for the Maine Better Transportation Association.

Before his retirement in 2004, he founded the Sturdivant Island Tuna Tournament to have a fun bluefin tuna tournament with a worthy cause. Since its inception 20 years ago, it has given over $750,000 to all seven Maine community colleges, the Daniel Cardillo Charitable Fund, the Byron Gouzie Memorial Scholarship Fund, fishermen’s families who were lost at sea, and many other worthy causes.

Even with all of his achievements, his greatest love in life was his family and friends, who quickly became extended family. His life motto was “The more, the merrier!” His passions included their camp on Sturdivant Island and the many parties, weddings and family reunions held out there, singing, playing games with his family, going to casinos with his mom, skiing, big game fishing and hunting with his friends, catching mackerel with his children and grandchildren, birthday parties, extended “work” lunches, hootenannies, and travelling around the world.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Bette; their son, Phil Grondin Jr. and his fiancée, Marianne; their daughter, Michelle Raber and her husband, Jeff; their son, Frank Grondin and his wife, Pamela; their son, Laurence Grondin and his wife, Heather; his six grandchildren; his six siblings and their surviving spouses; and the hundreds of friends he made over a lifetime of giving, caring and love.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Richards Wing at Maine Medical Center for their generosity of spirit and loving care.

To view Phil’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.

Sign In: