Mike's obituary
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John M. Grondin, affectionately known as Mike, on December 18, 2025. Born on May 15, 1956, Mike's life was marked by hard work, a love for adventure, and a penchant for pranks. His flirty personality brought smiles to most he encountered.
Mike leaves behind his two daughters, Robin Ames and Mari Grondin, his Son-in-Law Joshua Ames, his brother Merrill Grondin, and countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis Vargas (Payson); his brother, Gary Grondin; his sister, Theresa Cleaves; and his grandparents, Merrill and Evelyn Payson.
Mike learned the value of hard work as a young boy when, along with many others, he spent an entire summer shoveling out a basement space at the Perkins' house in Rockland. The virtue of hard work stayed with him through his life; he was a logger, truck driver, dog trainer, sternman, blueberry raker, and all-around laborer, but most of all, he was a farmer. If you ever went looking for Mike, chances are you could find him with the cows or the hay. As a young boy, Mike would often spend his free time with any number of his siblings or cousins, riding bikes around Rockland, swimming in the river behind the family farm, fishing, or enjoying rides at the Lobster Festival.
If Mike wasn't working, he was most certainly out causing mischief with his sidekick brother, Gary. Weekends were spent watching NASCAR or playing cards around a table with friends, family, and always laughter. Blessed were the summers of boat rides, campfires, and cookouts at the Crawford Camp.
Mike made a significant impact within his community. Notably, he contributed tremendously to the Rockland Parks Department through an annual fundraiser under the auspices of St Peter's Episcopal Church in Rockland. His work behind the scenes may have gone unnoticed, but it can be appreciated in the beauty of many parks and gardens around Rockland.
The loss of Mike's brother, Gary, in 2004 was devastating for him. It took many years to find his feet again. One thing that did not change, however, was his unwavering opinion and willingness to share that opinion with anyone who would or would not listen. Mike was stubborn to the end and always stood by what he believed.
Mike's legacy of love, laughter, and service lives on in the hearts of the many lives he touched. To honor his memory and continue his commitment to community service, Mike requested that you consider donating to the Rockland District Nursing Association. While he will be remembered in many ways, your act of giving allows his dedication to service and love for his community to endure. Donations can be made directly to the RDNA website.
In lieu of an in-person service, an ongoing website will serve as a venue to share memories and pictures to commemorate Mike’s life.
May Mike's adventurous spirit, cheeky humor, and loving heart continue to inspire those who were blessed to have known him. His light will forever shine in our hearts.