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Kenneth G. "Ken" Grouzalis

Kenneth Grouzalis Obituary

He Was in Love
This is a love story. It begins and ends with the Port Authority, which is not known for amorous liaisons. It involves a mail deliverer, a secretary and the skyscrapers of New York.

The deliverer was named Ken G. Grouzalis. He was 18 when he began working for the authority. This was in 1963, when the authority had its headquarters at 111 Eighth Avenue. Mr. Grouzalis raced from floor to floor, dumping packages here, picking up letters there, but he lingered in the purchasing department. There sat Frances Zacharski, a secretary. Like Mr. Grouzalis, she commuted in each day from New Jersey. Like Mr. Grouzalis, she was young and single and full of dreams.

"In the beginning, he would say thank you, good morning, how are you," she said. "And then he'd start hanging around my desk a little bit longer than necessary."

Within two years they were married. Mr. Grouzalis was drafted into the Marines, served in the Vietnam War and came back to the Port Authority and a litany of departments: stockroom, real estate, accounting. He was proof that one could also fall in love with an institution. "The sun rose and set on the Port Authority," Mrs. Grouzalis said.

He moved to the World Trade Center when it was built and became a property manager there. As his wife said, "He often referred to it as his building." It was a lot like love.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 6, 2001.

Kenneth Grouzalis, 56, Caribbean traveler

From the time Frances Grouzalis married her husband, Ken, traveling was a big part of his life.

First it was his tour as a U.S. Marine in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Then it became his excursions on New Jersey and New York roads as a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, followed most recently by periodic Caribbean vacations.

"We loved traveling to different places," Frances Grouzalis said. "Aruba was our favorite."

Kenneth G. Grouzalis, 56, of Lyndhurst, died in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. A property manager for subterranean areas for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, he was in his office on the basement's second level when hijacked planes crashed into the towers.

Co-workers last saw Mr. Grouzalis helping others evacuate the building, according to his wife and his former co-worker, John Picone.

"I know for a fact he was in the building because he was helping others," said Picone, who retired in December and knew Mr. Grouzalis for 32 years. "I know he had a chance to leave, and could have walked out at any time. But he stayed."

The last time his wife saw him was on the night of Sept. 10. The next day they had an "upbeat conversation" on the phone after 7 a.m. He called home after the attack.

"He called saying, 'It's me. We don't know what happened. So far I'm okay. I'll call you later,' " she said. "But he never called."

Frances Grouzalis had kept his last message until it was accidentally erased. "We used to play it just to hear his voice," she said.

Mr. Grouzalis' father, George, was a Port Authority bridge painter, while his mother, Dorothy, stayed home. The family moved from his native Staten Island to Orange and North Arlington, where he graduated from North Arlington High School in 1963.

After graduation he landed a job as a mail clerk with the Port Authority. It was there he met his wife. They married Sept. 5, 1965.

A year later, he was drafted and served two years in the U.S. Marines. After his return, Mr. Grouzalis worked his way up in the Port Authority, working in the stockroom, the real estate department, the accounting department at the World Trade Center, and later as property manager for subterranean areas. He oversaw the operations for six underground levels below the Trade Center.

The couple lived in Jersey City, where Mr. Grouzalis earned a bachelor's degree from St. Peter's University in 1972. Three years later, the couple had their daughter, Lisa Marie.

"She was daddy's little girl," his wife said. "He actually wanted a baby girl. He did not want a son. And that's what we had."

The couple settled in Lyndhurst 23 years ago.

In his spare time, Mr. Grouzalis rode his Harley-Davidson with friends and took vacations in the Bahamas, St. Martin's, Cancun and Aruba, where they owned a time share.

Mr. Grouzalis was predeceased by his parents and younger brother, Donald, who drowned when Mr. Grouzalis was 18.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Nov. 28, 2001.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Grouzalis

24 Entries

September 11, 2023

We will never forget. Ken, you will always be remembered as a hero. Rest in Peace in paradise for eternity.

September 13, 2021

Remembered, missed and loved. 20 years. God bless you and your family and friends, Ken

September 11, 2017

Never forgotten

September 11, 2014

You are remembered, Ken

Rest in Peace.

Doreen Madigan

December 22, 2011

Dear Fran and Lisa, I thought of Ken today and of course, the both of you. I was looking at the new construction and missing the old buildings and the friends that were left behind that day. He was a wonderful man and spoke of his family often. I just thought you would like to know that there are many of us who still think of him. I hope you have found peace these past years as Ken would have wanted you to.

Mel Wasserman

September 12, 2010

Dear Fran and Lisa,
And, also, to Richard Martinez.

I hadn't read the entries in Ken's Guest Book until this evening. I was a Traffic Engineer with the PA, and worked closely with Ken in the subgrade of the WTC for many years. I was not aware of where he was and what he did that morning until I read Richard's narrative entry of 9/11/2004.
I escaped from the #1 subway within minutes of when the first plane hit Tower 1. Ken was the first person that I thought of when I saw what had happened, knowing that he would be in there helping and performing his job. He was a great guy. He helped me out many times with parking needs issues and with personal parking requests as well.
Since 2007, when I retired, I have been a docent and tour guide at The Tribute Center at the WTC site. I mention Ken on every tour that I lead, as well as wear a WTC hat on every tour, that I received from Ken after the 1993 bombing.
Nine years have passed and I still remember Ken's professionalism, but also his warmth and understanding to people.
May the memory of good times with Ken continue to sustain you as time passes.

Robert Kudlacik

March 26, 2009

Mrs Grouzalis and Lisa,

I worked with Ken periodically in the WTC between 1990 and 1998. I worked in the mechancical unit and would see the parking lot guru for passes. Ken was always funny and to the point. God bless you both for the memories he left.

Bob Kudlacik

Kristine

November 2, 2006

As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.

P Tabbernor

October 27, 2006

In remembrance....

Richard Martinez

September 11, 2005

Dear Ken,

Four years later and this day doesn't seem to get any easier for me. I miss the Trade Center and all of those people who became family to me. Working next to you was an honor and I will always remember how important you made my job feel because you felt that taking good care of those two buildings was priority ONE!!!

Rest in peace Kenny!!! Thanks again!

Richard Martinez

Joe Costa

August 19, 2005

Mrs Grouzalis,

I am someone who parked my car for years on the B2 level of the WTC. There wasn't a day that went by that Ken and I didn't exchange at least a "good morning". May God bless you and may Ken rest in peace.

In my prayers,

Joe Costa

Hot dogs in the office.

Richard Martinez

September 11, 2004

To the wife of Kenny G.,
I was Ken's Subgrade rover and did all he wanted done in the buildings. I was with Ken the morning of 9.11. His roving vehicle had broken down so he needed me to drive him around and survey his "kingdom". He really did care very much about his work for the P.A. As we drove around we ended up on the loading dock of tower 1. We stopped to speak with other security personel about the construction work going on in the subgrades. A few minutes into our conversation is when the first plane hit and we sprung into action. He was one of the first on the seen of the disasters going on under the World Trade Center (as always). We seperated due to him asking me to assess the problems on the lower levels and to report back to him all of my findings. The last time I heard from him was when he came over the radio to find out with Gordon, Pete(others who worked for Ken in his office) and I were safe. You may not know this and I don't believe he knew this either but I viewed Ken as a father figure. He helped me when I needed help the most. He spoke of you and your daughter very much. He made us guys feel like part of the family. I miss working with Ken very much. 3 years later I still cry thinking of what would've happened if he wouldn't have asked me to leave his side. GOD BLESS YOU AND HIM VERY MUCH. I have added a picture of our last Christmas office bar-b-que party which he was famous for. THANK YOU.

Lori Darden-Winn

September 11, 2003

To Mrs Grouzalis and Lisa,

I had thought of you today, and wondering how you are doing. It is a long ways from New Jersey to Texas, but I hope you feel my love and prayers.

Lori Darden-Winn

August 15, 2003

To Mrs. Grouzalis and Lisa,

I do not know you personally, but since I purchased a Mercy Band. I feel you are my family. The reason is that I was honored to recieve Ken Grouzalis as the person I will always have a prayer for, and for his family as well. I have tried for almost a year to find out who this special person was, and if he had any family. I feel so relieved that now I can put a face to the name, and that he did have a family who I know has had much sorrow, but has also gained spiritual and inner strength. I think of you often, and if you should ever need or want anything, please remember that you have someone in Dallas, Texas who thinks of you, his family and him every day. May God bless you and keep you safe. And if you wish, please feel free to contact me to let me know how you are.

NOEL ROMAN

December 22, 2002

Ken, May you rest in peace. When I started working for a cleaning company I too was in charge of the subgrades. I know I had to keep them in great condition otherwise I know I would have had a meeting with my boss. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, YOU ARE A HERO WITHOUT A UNIFORM.

Diane W.

September 9, 2002

Fran and Lisa Marie, since that terrible day I cannot drive passed your house without breathing a heavy sigh, my dad lives around the corner from you. I used to live across the street from you about 25 years ago and would remember seeing Ken in the backyard. I think our girls even played together, my daughter's name is Kelly. I can't even imagine what your lives have been like this past year. God bless you both and continue to give you strength.

D. M.

September 7, 2002

Ken was a wonderful person, I knew him through our many parking conversations and occasional holiday lunchs over the years. I think about him and pray for him and his family daily. He will always be in our hearts.

Fran & Lisa Grouzalis

April 26, 2002

We would like to thank the people who have signed Ken's Guest Book. While we have lost a wonderful husband and father, it is heartwarming to know that people care and felt so highly of Ken. We miss his tremendously and just want to thank you.

Stacey Lynn

February 13, 2002

To friends and family of Ken. I knew Ken from working at 7WTC and dealing with him for the parking at the Trade Center. Although we spoke not very often, he was a really nice man and I am very sorry for your loss. It's been a while since it all happened but it was just like yesterday and I don't know about everyone else but I can't get over it. So I hope this helps my healing process and helps you in some small way to know that I was thinking about you.

Stay Well and Strong.

peggy scire

February 11, 2002

God Bless Kenneth and his wife Fran and daughter Lisa.. We were cousins who had lost touch over the years and I am sorry for that.. He was a wonderful person and i know he is missed terribly. May he rest in peace..

tony scire

February 10, 2002

we are all sad and pray for ken and his family.

9/11 will always be remembered

January 28, 2002

DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...VETERAN AND HERO KENNETH G. (KEN) GROUZALIS.AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELSS.GOD BLESS HIS WIFE ..FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..AMEN

Teresa Jahn

December 30, 2001

We thank Kenneth for the time he served in the military. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and carry heart for his fellow man. Thank you for sharing a warm love story. We are very sorry for your loss of Kenneth. May his life and love live on in those who love him. We are very sorry for your loss of Kenneth. Our hearts cry with you.

America Cries

We see your sorrow-

and our hearts cry....

We can not erase your pain

but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-

-the American people-

are beside you.

We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,

the strength that gives you courage,

and the words to lighten your spirits.

And when we are left speechless

may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts

to ease your sorrow.

May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-

-the American people-

face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn

Dixon, IL