Obituary of Thomas A. Grelish

Thomas A. Grelish PEABODY—Thomas A. Grelish, 63, beloved husband of Patti (Harkins) Grelish of Peabody, died Saturday May 31, 2014 at the Lahey Medical Center in Peabody, after being stricken at home. Born in Lynn, he was the son of Connie (DeNisco) Grelish Cremin of FL and the late Joseph Grelish. He grew up and lived most of his life in Peabody. He graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1968. He then attended Suffolk University and Salem State College. He enlisted in the Massachusetts National Guard during the Vietnam War era. Mr. Grelish started his career in journalism for the Beverly Times while in high school. He would eventually expand to cover sports for the Peabody Times, and Salem Evening News. He also wrote a regular column, “Grelish’s Goulash” in the Peabody Times. He established The Peabody Citizen newspaper, a source of community news since September 1993. He shared stories of local politics, city students, community happenings and local sports for nearly 21 years. Tom was active in the community, involved with the Peabody Parks & Recreation Commission, Peabody Little League as a coach, the Peabody Hall of Fame Committee, and many were aware of his interest in local politics. He was a member of the American Legion and the New England Press Association. He enjoyed history, especially World War II, was a high school and college sports fan among which basketball was his favorite. His main passion was his dedication to family, besides a strong civic interest in the community and country. He is survived by his wife Patti (Harkins) Grelish of Peabody, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage; a son John Grelish of Weymouth; a daughter Jackie Grelish and her fiancée Patrick Regan both of Salem; a granddaughter Julia Zawacki of Peabody; his mother and step-father, Connie (DeNisco) Grelish Cremin & Mike Cremin of FL; a brother Joseph & his wife Norrine Grelish of FL; a sister Nancy & her husband Jim Carlson of FL, and several nieces and nephews including Chris & his wife Kayla Carlson of CA and Shawn Carlson of TX among others. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Thursday at 9 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 8 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. His family suggests those who wish make a donation in his name to a Peabody Youth Sports group, or Peabody High School Athletic Department.