Gruchacz, Paul Michael 55, of Needham, MA, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on January 4th, 2019. Wonderful husband of Donna-Lee (Gargano) Selland, step-dad to Jennifer, Emily and Scott Selland, beloved brother and brother-in-law to Joe and Judy Gruchacz of Kennesaw, GA, Mark and Janet Gruchacz of Raleigh, NC, Peter and Meghan Gruchacz of Short Hills, NJ, Dave and Diane Green of Dover, MA and Neal and Lynn Fowler of Raleigh, NC, and devoted son to the late Richard and Cathleen (Kane) Gruchacz. He is also survived by his wonderful nieces and nephews, Abigail, Ava, Blaise, Ella, Jack, Mary Louise, Jessica, Matt, Sally, Jack, Laura, Justin and Grace.
Born in Summit, NJ on November 29, 1963, Paul was a 1982 graduate of Union High School in Union, NJ where he was captain of the football and wrestling teams. Paul received a 4-year full athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Connecticut. He graduated from UConn in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science from the School of Business and went on to start his own real estate appraisal businesses, including White Oak Appraisal Service in Hartford, CT and American Elm Appraisal Service in Charlestown, MA. In the following years, he enjoyed living in San Francisco and Washington D.C. before settling in Boston, MA in 2004.
Throughout the years, Paul delighted in being the #1 uncle to his many nieces and nephews and visited with them frequently. He loved photography, history and trivia, reading, and skiing. He completed three marathons, in Boston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Paul had many fun times with treasured friends. He especially enjoyed tailgating, supporting UConn Football and the Red Sox, and attending Broadway shows. Paul’s longstanding friendships are a tribute to his caring heart and how fun he was to be with.
In 2014, Paul and Donna-Lee, high school friends, re-connected after 35 years. Paul married the love of his life on July 18, 2015 in Charlestown, MA and immediately became an irreplaceable part of the family. He was the best husband to Donna-Lee, and they enjoyed everything together. From honeymooning in Italy, to taking long walks with their three dogs, to Paul bringing Donna-Lee coffee at work each day, there was so much love packed in. Paul made every day special. Paul will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to put his friends and family first. Until his last day, Paul continued to ask how he could help others and did everything he could to make everyone happy.
A visitation will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home at 1305 Highland Avenue, Needham on Monday, January 7, from 4-8 pm. A service will follow at 11 am on Tuesday, January 8 at Saint John’s Episcopal Church at 27 Devens Street, Charlestown. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paul M. Gruchacz Athletic Scholarship Fund of Union High School. Make checks payable to Union Township Education Association. Send to: UTEA c/o Ann-Margaret Shannon, 2591 Spruce St. Union, NJ 07083. In memo please note “Paul M. Gruchacz Athletic Scholarship Fund.”