Nicholas (Nick) Grzymkowski, of Fairport, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 1, 2026, at the age of 92.
Born on May 13, 1933, Nick lived a full and devoted life centered on faith, family, and service to his country. He is predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Olga (Spodaryk), brothers and sisters, Peter, Paul, Helen, Marie and Walter.
He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara (Denniston) Grzymkowski, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage – a partnership that was the foundation of his life and his greatest pride.
Nick was a devoted father to his three children, James (Lynne) Grzymkowski, Deborah (Douglas) Bailey, Laura (Daniel) Vinton, and a proud grandfather to Matthew and Michael Bailey, Lauren (Nate) Shapiro, Kyle and Andrew Vinton, Maximilian and Ava Grzymkowski, all of whom brought him immense joy. Also survived by his loving brothers and sisters, Betty McLaughlin, Carol (Dennis) Howe, Ronald (Betsy) Grzymkowski, and Dennis (Valerie) Grzymkowski, sister-in-laws Patricia (Terry) Hanagan and Diane Ackerman, and many nieces and nephews. Nothing made him happier than talking about his family.
Nick was a wonderful storyteller. He carried a deep pride in his lifelong service to his country. He served in the United States Army during the end of the Korean War and continued with the Army Reserves, achieving the distinguished rank of Command Sergeant Major and later retiring as Captain in 1995. He spoke often of his military experiences, sharing stories that reflected both his patriotism and his enduring sense of duty.
In addition to his military service, Nick fondly remembered his time at Syracuse University, where he rode crew – an experience that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was also an avid Syracuse University basketball fan, proudly wearing his orange.
Nick’s family would like to thank his caregivers at St John’s Meadows Hawthorne and St. John’s Home for the wonderful care these last 2 years.
A special thanks to Pam Hall for her devoted care and companionship to Nick and Barb during the past 4 years. Pam helped bring joy, comfort and dignity to Nick’s life, especially in his final months with shared outings for coffee and apple pie, simple pleasures that meant so much to him.
Funeral Mass Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m. at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, where it will be live streamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming. . Burial to follow at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 144https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming50.
15 responses to “Grzymkowski, Nicholas (Nick)”
Nick will always be missed.
He and Barb were such close, loved and admired family.
Christmas Eves, gourmet dinners and just plain great company for so many years will always be cherished.
So happy that I could see him last summer.
He and Barb generously shared their family with us for over 60 years.
Nicky Wegman, as Dennis dubbed him. (We always ran into him there) will stay in our hearts always. ❤️❤️
I’ve known “Nick” and the Grzymkowski family for over 50 years! I fondly refer to “Nick” as Mr. G. and “Barb” as Mrs. G. Spending time with the Grzymkowski family clearly showed “Nick” as a loving husband, father, patriot, and avid Fairport High School Football and Syracuse University sports fan. My deepest condolences on his passing while knowing that he’s looking down on his family with much love.
My heart aches for Barb and all of her family! She and Nick were neighbors for about a decade here, and I came to love them both. We will always remember Nick and his big smile… Never missing an opportunity to tell a story to anyone who would listen. Blessings and prayers for the whole family, and especially for Nick to rest in peace.
Barb you and I spoke a week ago, this surprised me…I still have Nick’s recipe for his ground beef sauce that he always made for Hickory Ridge annual picnics!
Living next door for twenty years means lots of memories to me…a good man with a ready smile❤️
Marilyn Eisman
I was in the 98th div. army reserves, Newark, NY. I am pretty sure I served as company clerk under Nick
My condolences to you and your family. I will always remember Nick’s love for family.
The Veterans Outreach Center extends our deepest sympathy in Nicholas’ passing. We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
My deepest condolences to the family. Nick always had a smile on his face when I saw him.
Love,
Dorothy Graziano
God Bless our Aquinas Brother.
Oour thoughts are with Nick’s family and friends at this sad time.
So sorry to hear of Nick’s passing. I served with Nick in the 98th Division for many years, and we got to be pretty good friends. He was a great Command Sergeant Major and he will be missed.
The 98th Division alumni send their sincere condolences to Barbara and to all of Nick’s family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
The 98th Division alumni send their sincere condolences to Barbara and to all of Nick’s family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
Barbara, please accept Joan and my condolence on Nicks passing. We served together in the IG section of the 98th.
Nick was a professional, always…extremely helpful in caring for soldiers. He accomplished these feats with a sense of humor that put soldiers at ease. Nick had a warm smile.
Our best, MG (Ret) and Mrs Gannon. Pete and Joan
Debbie’s eulogy for Nick captured the essence of the man. Nick was the most content person I have ever known. The eternal optimist. During all the years we worked together, never did I hear him utter a negative word concerning another person. I am eternally grateful to Barb and the rest of the family for providing my brother the life he deserved. He is the best of us.