Peter William Gromen, Sr.

Peter William GromenMarch 6, 1918 – April 13, 2015With deep sorrow his family and friends announce the passing of Peter William Gromen, a man much loved, admired, and respected. Peter was born in Washington DC on March 6, 1918. He attended school at Suitland Elementary and then Hine Jr. High. Upon the death of his mother, he left school in the eighth grade to help support the family. He was hired by W.H. Harrison Company, a wholesale produce supplier. He left this job for employment with the Washington Tobacco Company, where he was promoted to salesman. Peter was drafted on October 8, 1941 and was assigned to the Medical Corps. He was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he helped set up the military hospital. He was promoted to staff sergeant and later to master sergeant. Peter was subsequently stationed at Boca Raton, Florida. On a leave he went to Syracuse NY and proposed to Bernice Ann Schwartz, whom he’d known since childhood. Peter and Bernice were married in the parlor of her parents’ farm house on July 11, 1944. She joined him in Florida, where they lived until Peter was discharged from the Army. Peter was proud of his service to God and country, and always mentioned his army years among his life’s accomplishments.After the war, Peter returned to the DC area and his job at the Washington Tobacco Company, where he worked as a salesman for many years. In January 1948, their first child Peter Jr. was born. In the fall of that same year Peter and Bernice were baptized in the Apostolic Christian Church. He and Bernice had a house built on the homestead established by his father in Suitland, Maryland. A daughter Marilyn was born in July 1949, followed by sons Andrew in February 1953, and James in March 1963.The Apostolic Christian Church asked Peter to serve as one of its ministers in Temple Hills, and later in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. With integrity, dedication, and humility, Peter served the congregation for many years.When asked to name his outstanding memories, Peter recalled: Getting married, finding the Lord, raising children, and serving God. Peter had many interests: His mother introduced him to a lifelong love of music by providing him with violin lessons at an early age. He loved gardening and maintained a large vegetable garden every year. Peter loved fishing and boating. In 1957 Peter and Bernice bought a modest fishing cottage in Cove Point, Maryland, where the family spent weekends in the summer months. In his retirement years, Peter enjoyed fly-fishing and surf casting with friends and family.In 1997, his beloved wife of 52 years passed away.After several years, Peter sold the family home and moved to Asbury Retirement Community in Solomons, Maryland. His apartment had a lovely view overlooking the Patuxent River and the community garden, and he was thankful for all the friends and activities there. He was also blessed with frequent visits from family and his beloved church friends, and was a wonderful example of taking life as it came and enjoying each day to the fullest.Peter passed away at age 97 on April 13, 2015. He leaves behind his children Peter William Gromen II, Marilyn (Gromen) Swinford, Andrew Robert Gromen, and James Charles Gromen , eleven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. We know Peter is thrilled to be with his Lord. We rejoice with him and are grateful to have had this wonderful man who loved us and nurtured us through so many years. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Peter William Gromen, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.