Thomas Henry Groden

The world just won’t be the same without Thomas Henry Groden.

Tom passed away peacefully at home on East Street in Walpole, MA on Friday, June 26, 2026 with his beloved family by his side. Born in Cambridge on August 24,1948, he was the son of the late Harold M. Groden M.D. and Helen Eva (Perrault) Groden. Tom was the loving husband of Sara (Schwarz) Groden for 19,334 days and a devoted father to Susan and Erin for 15,167 and 14,064 days, respectively.

“TG,” as he was affectionately known, spent most of his life at Lewis Farm in Walpole, where he first lived with his parents and fifteen siblings and where he and Sara later raised their own daughters. Tom was a proud graduate of Walpole High School and Boston College. After receiving his undergraduate teaching degree, TG continued to call BC home for another 45 years, working as the pool director, water polo coach, and, most famously, the Men’s and Women’s Varsity Swimming and Diving Head Coach. Tom loved every minute of the more than four decades that he spent at ‘The Heights,’ especially watching his student athletes succeed both in the pool and in the classroom. He was famous for keeping in touch and developing friendships with former swimmers and fellow coaches, and is often credited with many of his swimmers’ continued love of the sport. However fulfilled he was by his job, nothing brought Tom more joy and pride than his family. He was always quick to tell you about the massive family he was born into, and his greatest joy was making memories with his wife and children and, more recently, two adoring grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Sara, Tom is survived by his daughter Susan McDonald and her husband, Tucker, and his daughter Erin Groden and her partner, Rich Jones. He was the cherished grandfather of Abigail McDonald (6) and Henry McDonald (4). He was also the proud brother of Anne Wynne and her late husband, Tom, Christopher Groden, Terry Groden and his wife, Mary, Kevin Groden and his partner, Gayle, Monica Rudolph and her husband, George, Meg Groden, Stephen Groden and his wife, Holly, Ellie Groden and her husband, Frank, Reeny Groden and her husband, John, Brian Groden and his wife, Maija, Patty Whitney and her husband, Tom, Joan Groden O’Connell, Luke Groden and his wife, Jackie, Stephen “Woody” Wood, and the late Harold M. Groden, Jr. and his surviving wife, Claire. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Known for his boyish charm, his endless decency, and his relentless bragging about his family, Tom Groden’s impact and legacy will continue to be felt long beyond his days.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom’s Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Mary’s Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 am. Immediately following the Mass, all are welcome to a celebration of Tom’s extraordinary life to be held at his home, 401 East Street, Walpole. Colors welcome; swimming encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made to Swim Across America at 8508 Park Road #389, Charlotte, NC 28210 or by visiting www.swimacrossamerica.org, OR to the Schwarz Africa Fund by visiting https:// schwarzafricafund.org and selecting ‘Donate’.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.