Kenneth John Grocki passed away on June 28, 2024, peacefully in the quiet of the early morning.

He was born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 15, 1946.

He was preceded by in death by his parents, John and Charlotte Grocki, his son Scott Allen Grocki and his loving wife, Diane Faith Grocki.

Ken and Diane shared the most beautiful love and lifetime together for what would have been their 55th wedding anniversary on June 21st. Ken is now at peace and in the only place he would rather be, in the arms of his beautiful Diane.

Ken was a gentle and selfless father of Amy Higgs, Jamie Grocki, and the late Scott Grocki-Alexander. He was a truly kind and thoughtful father-in-law to Jenny Grocki-Alexander and Mary DuLaney-Grocki.

Ken spent much of his career with the railroad, way back to the Chessie System days then CSX Corporation. He also worked for AAI in Hunt Valley, Maryland and retired several years ago.

Ken was a fantastic golfer (although he would never admit or boast about it). He is the only person we have ever known to get a hole in one. His mom always called him “Sam” after the incomparable Sam Snead. But all his friends and family will remember his love of music the most. Ken loved “the oldies.”Growing up, the Grocki home was always bumping from the sounds of Elvis to Dylan, The Beatles and The Byrds. He loved to play snippets and quiz us on the title and artist. To this day, we can pick up mid-verse and carry any 60’s song home. He was always quick with a corny dad joke, most of which he made up himself and we truly laughed at them. They were smart and clever, just like him. He was just the most kindhearted man who would do anything for anyone.

He was known as “PopPop” to his seven equally tenderhearted and talented grandchildren Jack, Nathan, Laken, Roxanne, Elizabeth, Aspen, and Sawyer. You could always count on PopPop to bring the best snacks home from the grocery store, help Nana plan yummy family dinners, pizza deliveries and morning donuts or homemade French toast at a weekend sleepover at Nana and PopPop’s! Ken was so proud to be their grandfather, watching them grow just beginning to pursue their dreams. PopPop is now Eight Miles High quietly watching, protecting them from above, the biggest and brightest shining light, guiding their futures.

Ken had so many life-long friendships. His “Westminster” friends gathered several times a year to share a meal, go to the movies and have great laughs, and just so many memories. His “Baltimore” friends got together at least once a year to exchange holiday gifts and the occasional winning lottery ticket. He also enjoyed being on his beloved reunion committee for Kenwood Senior High School, Class of 1964, carrying yet another set of friendships along his lifetime.

Ken will be remembered for the way he loved to make us laugh, his enormous love for his family and friends, the way those big blue eyes sparkled and of course, how our Daddy G. could carry a tune…

Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, 'm not sleepy and there is no place I'm going to.

Hey! Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me, n the jingle-jangle morning I'll come following you.

The family is working on memorial arrangements and will communicate once plans are final.