Thomas D. "Sonny" Grenga

GREECE - October 25, 2021. Tom is predeceased by his sister, Ceil Amalfi. He is survived by his wife, Kathy (Mancini) Grenga; daughter, Toni (Jeff) Williams; grandchildren, Angelina Williams, Isabella Williams & Tim Williams; sisters, June Katz & Kathy White; several nieces, nephews, dear friends & his North Greece Fireman's Family.

Tom's life story will be shared during his visitation, Friday, October 29th, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). His funeral service will be celebrated, Saturday, October 30th, 10 AM at the funeral home. Followed by his interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.



Thomas "Sonny" Grenga was born October 5th, 1940, in Syracuse, NY to parents Angelina and Gaetano Grenga. He was the perfect example of a gentleman; kind, humble, strong, and faithful.

He had 3 sisters: Ciel the eldest, June the middle, and Kathy the youngest. He later married Kathy (Mancini) Grenga. Their family grew to include a daughter Toni-Marie, son-in-law Jeff, and three lovely grandchildren Angelina, Isabella and Tim.
He loved animals, but pets were a big no-no in the Grenga household (his wife loved keeping the house clean and in perfect order). Growing up, though, his father brought home a monkey which promptly got stuck in a tree and needed rescuing by the fire department.

Sonny was a man's man, but always surrounded by women his whole life, so he got a breath of fresh air when a man came around to bond with. But I bet he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The love he shared with his sisters lasted a lifetime, carrying each other through the good times and the bad ones.

Family was his number one priority and all his actions reflected that. His wife would say, "so-and-so needs such-and-such," and he would gladly be the first person there to help.

Sonny went to the University of Illinois and played football with Dick Butkus, which he never failed to mention. School wasn't his favorite thing - he just went there to play football, really, where he excelled as a cornerback. He decided to serve his country, which he loved deeply. He first became a Coastguardsman, then later went on to become a Green Beret and a special forces paratrooper. The final way he served our country was in the Air Force reserve.

He was an EMT, but his real dream was to become a firefighter. This was always a challenge, though, since one year he was too short and another his eyesight was too poor. He couldn't magically get taller, so he decided to practice and memorize the eye chart, instead. Finally, he met their requirements and was able to secure a spot as one of the first paid North Greece firemen - Badge #5 and head of the Union, too!

He was such a simple man who was easily satisfied. If you brought him a tuna sub, he'd act like you gave him a million bucks! He said he loved tuna so much that, if they ever made tuna flavored gum, he would chew it all day long.
Aside from his love of tuna, he enjoyed racing URC sprint cars, listening to country music in his truck, working out, reading, watching the bills during football season and Syracuse during the basketball season.
He was so grateful for every little thing and was everyone's biggest fan. He genuinely listened to others and rarely talked about himself. He gave those around him so much credit and acknowledged even the smallest things.

Most importantly, we will always remember what a great husband he was and how much he loved his beautiful wife, Kathy - his girl. Other than the Lord, his wife was his everything.
She cleaned house for Sonny's sister Kathy, who originally introduced them and set them up. From then on, they became the couple that everyone looked up to and confided in for advice. "A good-looking couple, too!" was a famous quote from his mother.

The most important thing in his life, however, was his everlasting relationship with the Lord. Throughout his life, he was a humble servant to the Lord. Even through his sickness, he was strengthened by his love for the Lord and was never afraid since he was eager to finally reach heaven.

Despite how weak he was at the end; he would still reach over to his nightstand to pick up his cross and kiss it whenever he felt the desire to. Even in the last hour of this life he grasped onto his cross.