Dr. Joseph M. Gromada 1948-2023
CINCINNATI — Joseph Michael Gromada M.D., also known as “Joe” or “Doc Joe,” 75, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a 17-month journey with head and neck cancer.
Joe was born in Youngstown, Jan. 12, 1948. He was the youngest of three sons born to Joseph F. and Jean Puskarcik Gromada, who predeceased him. A 1962 graduate of the St. Patrick Parish grade school, Joe played basketball and ran track, lettering in both, for Cardinal Mooney High School, graduating in 1966. He was inducted into the CMHS Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball in 1994. Joe was recruited to play basketball by the University of Louisville. He transferred to Xavier University in Cincinnati his sophomore year, where he finished both his premed studies and college basketball career as a member of the XU class of 1971. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1975 from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cincinnati’s Bethesda Hospital.
Although he practiced in Cincinnati for his entire career, Youngstown was never far from his heart and he hosted an annual New Year’s Day Youngstown Party. Former residents of Youngstown would bring their favorite dishes that reminded them of home. (Esther Hamilton once wrote a column about this annual party.)
He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love, friendship, athleticism and care that will be incredibly missed.
Joe is survived by his brother, Henry Gromada (Ruth Estock) and was preceded in death by his brother, Conrad Gromada (Annette Novicky); and his parents, Joe and Jean. He is also survived by his beloved wife of almost 52 years, Karen Kerkhoff Gromada; and four of their five children, Elizabeth (Spencer Kron), E. Anthony (Kristin Mura), Joseph F. and Carolyn Durstock (Kris Durstock). He was preceded in death by oldest son, Brandon (Christina Keuper). Joe “JoePa” loves his nine grandchildren, Konrad, Karenna, Morgan, Olivia, Jameson, Alice, Brandon, Grant and Gwen.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Xavier University’s Bellarmine Chapel, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brandon C. Gromada Head and Neck Cancer Foundation (www.gromadacancerfndn.org/donate/) or c/o 7809 Laurel Ave., Suite 10 Cincinnati, OH 45243.
(special notice)