William “Bill" Thomas Grogan Sr., lovingly known to his family as “Poppy”, 94, of Willimantic, Connecticut, passed away on August 13, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by devotion—to his family, his faith, his country, his work, and the community around him.

Born June 24, 1932, in Hartford, Connecticut, William was the son of John J. “Poppy” Grogan and Margaret “Nanny” Grogan(Cunningham), who immigrated from Ireland to the United States. A first-generation Irish American and devoted Catholic, Bill carried the values of his Irish heritage, faith, and family throughout his life.

His devotion to country led him to six years of service in the United States Air Force, including service in Alaska during the Korean War. There, he trained as a skilled carpenter, learning a trade that remained with him throughout his life. His commitment to those who served alongside him never ended with his time in uniform; for decades afterward, he remained an active member of the veteran community and regularly attended veterans' events throughout the area.

After leaving the Air Force, Bill worked on aircraft at Kaman Corporation, where a chance friendship would change the course of his life. There he met John “Jackie” Noonan, who found himself in need of a stand-in groomsman for his wedding. Bill stepped in—and at the wedding, he met Jackie's sister, Maureen. What began with a last-minute invitation would lead to the most important relationship of Bill's life.

At the center of the life that followed stood his wife, Maureen “Ma-Moe” Grogan. Together, Bill and Maureen built a life and raised their family in Willimantic, making their home on Roanoke Avenue.

Over the years, their home became a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors, and the bonds formed there extended throughout the neighborhood. Bill and Maureen helped create such a close community that their children grew up not realizing just how special it was to be surrounded by that kind of extended family, friendship, and love. Beyond being a devoted father to his own children, Bill became a father figure and mentor to many who found a place within that community.

Bill went on to begin a 38-year career with the United States Postal Service. The dependability and sense of responsibility that guided his life were equally present in his work. Over nearly four decades, he took particular pride in never taking an unwarranted sick day.

Bill's Catholic faith remained a constant throughout his life. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph's Church in Willimantic and a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, reflecting a lifelong devotion to his faith and a commitment to service, fellowship, and community.

Bill and Maureen shared a love of travel, from cruises together to memorable limousine trips to the casino with friends and neighbors. When Maureen passed away on March 4, 2007, Bill carried forward the life they had built around their family. After nearly two decades apart, he now joins his beloved Ma-Moe.

Retirement gave Bill more than 25 years to enjoy what mattered most: time with his children, grandchildren, and eventually his great-grandchildren. He developed a particular love for women's basketball, whether watching the UConn Huskies from his favorite recliner or heading out to a Connecticut Sun game with his daughter Doreen. For a man who spent his life building things with his hands, through his work, and within his community, retirement gave him the time to enjoy the family and life he had worked so hard to build.

Bill is survived by his children and their families: his daughter, Kelly LeBlanc, and Ron LeBlanc, their daughters Danielle LeBlanc and her husband Marcus Duhame, and Courtney LeBlanc and her partner Ben Newell, and Kelly's daughter Shealynn Filek; his daughter, Doreen “Doe-Doe” Grogan and fiancé Greg Wilson; his daughter, Patty Grogan, and her fiancé Allen Choate; and his son, William “Billy” T. Grogan Jr., his wife Tammy-Lynn, and their children Emily Grogan, and Frank-Thomas Grogan and his wife Talysha Hazelton.

Poppy had the joy of seeing another generation of his family grow through his five great-grandchildren: Owen, Ellias, Axel, Aiden, and Adeline.

Among those who carry his memory forward are his sisters, Helen Boardman and Dorothy “Dottie” Palowski, his brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Dubay, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and neighbors whose lives he touched.

Those who passed before him include his beloved wife, Maureen “Ma-Moe” Grogan; his parents, John J. and Margaret Grogan; his sister, Mary Dubay; his brothers, Michael “Mike” Grogan and James “Jim” Grogan; his brothers-in-law, Robert Boardman and Richard “Dick" Palowski; and his sister-in-law, Ann Grogan.

During his final days, Bill remained surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Throughout his 94 years, Bill carried a deep sense of pride and devotion. He took pride in the family he raised and the generations that followed him, in an honest day's work, in his Irish heritage and Catholic faith, and in having served his country.

He lived many roles throughout those years: veteran, hardworking man, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. Yet of all the things Bill took pride in being, none meant more to him than being Maureen Grogan's husband.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic, CT 06226, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery on Club Rd, in Willimantic.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to :

Veteran Base Camp 108 England Rd. Chaplin Ct. 06235