Martin Joseph Grourke, age 82, of Lansdale, PA passed away on July 13, 2023, after courageously living with Alzheimer’s disease since 2017.
He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Grourke (nee Plick), with whom he shared over 59 years of marriage. He was the father of Nancy Demetrius (Pat), M.J. Grourke (Erin), and Steve Grourke (Erin). He thought of his in-laws as his own children, especially his third “son,” Pat. He was “The FaFa” to eleven grandchildren whom he adored: Cian, Riley, Alanna, Kiley, Shea, Jillian (JJ), Elsie, Camryn, Nora, Blythe, and Conley.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on November 20, 1940, Marty was the only child of the late Martin and Elsie (Pafcsik) Grourke and the grandson of the late James and Elizabeth Grourke and Joseph and Maria Pafcsik. He was a devout Roman Catholic and attended Corpus Christi grade school and St. Joe’s Prep high school in Philadelphia. His mother passed away when he was in high school, and when his father remarried the family moved to Maple Shade, NJ. Marty’s mom instilled in him the importance of education, which made his one mile walk from home to catch a bus to Philly and the Prep each day a priority.
Marty was the quintessential self-made man. He put himself through college by working a year in industry at Rohm & Haas before beginning his education at Drexel, where he graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1964. In his senior year of college Marty married the love of his life, Elizabeth, whom he had met at “The Haas.” Marty often told the story to his family about how he went to church prior to asking Elizabeth to marry him and prayed, “Lord God, I pray, if Elizabeth says ‘yes’ You will make me the happiest man on Earth.” And that he was! Marty continued his lifelong learning at Brown University, where he earned a PhD in Chemistry in 1969 and spent a year doing post-doc research at Brandeis University. Marty and Elizabeth then moved their young family to Hatboro, PA and then Lansdale, PA in 1971 where they raised their family among loving friends and neighbors on Concord Place.
Marty spent his entire career at Rohm & Haas, where he built lifelong friendships and had the opportunity to travel abroad for work when he was not officing at 6th and Market in Center City or at the “farm” in Spring House. Marty also wore the monikers of “Teacher” or “Dr. Grourke” as an adjunct member of LaSalle University’s faculty, where he taught for over 30 years.
Marty was a classic 1970s and ’80s Lansdale dad, family man, and neighbor. He worked hard for his family and lived his life through his kids’ and St. Stan’s parish activities. Lansdale Cannoneers, Lansdale Little League, and Lansdale Catholic sports were his avocations for many years. In retirement, Marty and his beautiful “bride” devoted more time to the parish community in service to the stewardship committee, midnight Perpetual Adoration, bingo nights, and at the St. Stan’s Summer Festival. They also made great memories traveling domestically and internationally as a couple and with friends, and instilled in their family a love for culture and exploration.
Marty was an avid tennis player and he loved music, especially “Sundays with Sinatra” with Sid Mark, Willie Nelson, Simon and Garfunkel, and Joe Cocker. He was a faithful Notre Dame “subway” alum, and was quick with a Knute Rockne quote or Four Horsemen reference. He enjoyed many memorable trips to South Bend to cheer on the Irish. After years of family vacations “Down the Shore” and up at Lake George, NY, Marty introduced the family to the West where they first marveled at the awe-inspiring landscapes of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the early 1990s. These experiences imbued Marty with the “mountain man” mystique, which he manifested through weekend mountain man breakfasts on the back deck, drinks on the “south forty,” and making “Jeremiah Johnson” a Grourke family tradition. For two decades Marty and Elizabeth would make lasting memories with their kids and grandkids each summer in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This family tradition continues to this day.
Of all of Marty’s accomplishments in life, however, his greatest success and what made him a “wealthy man” was his family and most especially his grandkids. Memories with FaFa and the grandkids included annual trips to Jim Thorpe and OBX, the annual reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ countless kids’ activities, playing the harmonica, and lots of FaFa-isms! Marty wanted nothing more than to live a Christ-centered life and have a happy and healthy family.
He was blessed to live that life, and all who knew him were fortunate to call him a friend.
Marty’s family will receive family and friends on Friday, July 21, 2023 from 9:00am – 11:00am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, PA. Mass will follow. Interment will be in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marty’s memory to St. Stanislaus Church (51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
We are so sadden by this news. The Brown University Alumni Magazine just published the information of Marty’s death. Marty and Betty were our dear friends when Marty and I were post-doc students in chemistry those years in Providence, R.I. – we spent those enjoyable/hectic years together. Included in that time both families had our first children at the same time – Nancy for Marty and Betty and Scott for Susanne and me. We stayed in touch for quite a while after that exchanging informative Christmas card messages. Marty – Oh that LAUGH! And what terrific memories we have of our time together. Betty, if you are reading this, I will include our email. We would love to hear from you. We are SO distraught about not knowing that Marty died back in July. Our hearts are with you. Much love, Susanne and Jeff Bensing. 💕
Hugs to the family. I was blessed to have been able to spend time with him and get to know him. I loved his special breakfasts. I think he called them cowboy breakfasts and he would cook things on the grill.
We did not know Marty as long as so many others here….he was a blessing to so many. He was a gentleman in every aspect of his life. The wonderful and faithful family he leaves behind is a true testament to the quality of person he was (and as is Liz). One immediately knew he was a man of character and deep faith….he will watch over so many from above for eternity and we are all blessed for that. Lance, Janet, & Craig
Marty was a devoted family man who also cared deeply about his friends, neighbors, community and church. He and his family embraced us as “new neighbors” on Concord Place when we moved there in the mid 70s. Marty was a humble, intelligent, gracious man with a great sense of humor. My husband and Marty played tennis and we often gathered with our families to enjoy neighborhood events, like the Easter Egg Hunt, conversation and coffee, or engagement in kids activities. Our lives were enriched through our friendship with the Grourke family. Although we moved to VA in the mid 80’s, our experiences and memories of living across and down the street from Marty and his family remain some of the happiest and meaningful of our married life. We grieve with Betty, Nancy, MJ and Steven and their families. Marty’s legacy will live on through them and the lives of those who knew him.
Really enjoyed working with Marty, he always had a smile and was a real professional in all he did
Liz …My heart aches for your loss of Marty. I got to know Marty & you on the trips I ran for the senior club, in particular, the first one to Myrtle Beach. I will never forget his laugh when he heard a funny story. He was a great person. I will be here whenever you need someone to talk to.
Knowing Marty kept a warm spot in my heart and a smile on my face. I’ll miss his ‘blessings’ and will always follow his example: doing what I’m told. Thank you Lord for Mary and Betty. We’re all better for having them in our lives.
Oh, Marty! How I will miss you. You made my time in Lansdale a lot happier, a lot funnier and just better all-around as we would roar out your “words to live by” poem together:
“Don’t send my son to Harvard,” the dying mother said.
“Don’t send my son to Illinois, I’d rather see him dead.
Don’t send my son to Michigan, they’re rotten through and through,
But send my son to Notre Dame, to wear the gold and blue.”
I promise never to send my son to any of those places, Marty. I promise to watch my topknot at all times. And I pray that someday we will meet again.
Dear Betty, Marty came into my life because you made it happen. Thank you. All of us Sisters are praying now for you and your family.
Affectionately,
Sr. Nuala
Betty & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. He was a great friend to our family, especially to our parents, Dave & Sandy Gehman. He will be missed, but he will also be remembered, often and fondly. May all your good memories of him bring you all some comfort and peace during this difficult time. God Bless.
I will be forever grateful for Marty and Betty who treated my parents with such kindness and love as Eucharistic ministers. They looked forward to their visits not only for the spiritual uplifting but also developed a wonderful friendship as well. Prayers and condolences to Betty and the rest of the family. 🙏💕
I met Marty and Betty (or “The Boss”) on the Stewardship Committee at St. Stan’s. A dynamic duo if there ever was one! Both spoke volumes of what marriage is supposed to be without ever saying a word. Although truly gifted intellectually, Marty first and foremost wanted to hear what you had to say, making you feel that you were the most important person in the room. Marty was a “glass is half full” kind of guy and I loved to hear him laugh. I am very grateful to have known him in a small way. My sincere condolences.
Marty! Marty! Marty! Marty!
My father thought of Marty as his fourth son. Cousin Liz was Cousin Liz; but Marty was Brotherman Marty.
Without any doubt, he had a positive impact on everyone’s life. My father enlisted Marty to persuade me not to drop out of college. It was the Peace Corps’ loss and that was quintessential Marty….. always the sage, professor, counselor and friend.
Watch your top knot! Catch you later down the trail Dude.
Brotherman Paul
He was the best! So many wonderful memories growing up and with uncle Marty, and his love of family. He set some amazing examples of how to lead and make every minute count.
Dear Liz and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Marty. The Senior Club and St. Stan’s were so Blessed to have him as a member. He was always helping out giving of himself. He will be greatly missed. Hugs to all of you! Nancy Blackburn
Rest in peace Marty. You will be missed by me and the other members of the Altar and Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus Church. Fondly Ann Malickson
Dear Liz, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and all your family. It was a such
pleasure knowing Marty, he always had interesting stories to tell. God bless you and your family.
So sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. He was one of my last bosses at R&H. Prayers of comfort to the family. He’s in the presence of Christ. Well done good and faithful servant. Lorraine Otis
Marty was one of the great ones that I had the pleasure to work with, learn from and laugh with during my career. Condolences to his family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Marty passing! May God give Betty and the family strength to continue on this journey!🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
It was a great experience having and knowing Marty over more than 50 years at many a family gathering. He was an awesome and wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers for his his super wife Liz and beautiful family at the time of his passing.
It was wonderful to know Marty over the last more than 50 years at many a family gathering. He was a truly an incredibly awesome person. All the best to his super wife Liz and beautiful family. God bless them at this time of loss and take some solace that his suffering is now over.
Such sad news – my prayers go out to the family – and especially to you, Betty, as you mourn the loss of your beloved Marty🙏
So sorry to hear this. God Bless all and prayers 🙏 for all the family.