Alton (Al) Grueneich, Jr.

Alton Alfred (Al) Grueneich, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home in Newport, NH on November 16, 2016. Al was also lovingly known by his confirmation name, Phil.

Al was born August 4, 1951 in Portsmouth, VA, the only son and second child of the late Alton A. and Stella E. (nee Drean) Grueneich, Sr. He grew up in Santa Clara and San Jose, CA, attending St. Joseph’s of Cupertino Elementary School and Archbishop Mitty High School.  He attended Stanford University, graduating in 1972 with an AB in Sociology.  He later gained graduate degrees in Law and Public Health Management.  Al worked in a number of jobs, but his lifelong passion was rehabbing residential buildings, which he successfully did in MA, FL, and MD, making lifelong friends along the way.  He also lived in the Philippines for a brief period.

Al loved to sail and listen to music, especially rock and roll.  In his 50s, Al was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease but fought hard to remain active and engaged with people. Al’s eyes always sparkled when he talked about his dad’s military service and international travels aboard the USS Augusta. Al was a big dreamer and a man with a large heart. 

In his final time, Al was lovingly cared for by Joe Driscoll and family in Newport, NH, where he enjoyed concerts on the town green, the local swimming hole, and a monthly church supper. His sister, Dian, and her husband, Steve, shared a final “road trip” with Al around NH and VT in June 2016. 

Al’s survivors include his younger sister Dian and husband Steve Passek, his older sister Kathleen Carey and his maternal cousin Patrick McAtee. He is also survived by 4 nephews and nieces: Kayla Grueneich, Justin Passek, Andrew (Kathleen) Carey, Sean (Becca) Carey, and a grandnephew, Jack Carey.  He is also warmly remembered by many friends, particularly those living in NH and MA.

A celebration of Al’s life was held on Sunday, November 20, in Newport, NH.  Please make any memorial contributions to the Parkinson's disease Foundation or your favorite charity.

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