Thomas Grill

Thomas E. Grill passed away peacefully at his home in Centennial, Colorado on August 5th, 2020 at the age of 78. Thomas was born in Santa Monica, California in June 1942 to Raymond and Frances Grill.

Tom grew up “raising cane” in his childhood neighborhood in Rolling Hills, CA where his lifetime love of automobiles began when he “borrowed” the family car at the age of 14.

He met the love of his life, Karen, at Narbonne High in 1960. Tom also met their lifelong friends Pat and Frank Brower in high school. Tom and Karen were married in 1966. They moved to Whittier, CA and had two daughters, Tricia and Nancy.  Tom and Karen brought their family to Centennial, Colorado in 1974 to escape the hustle of California.

Tom always worked in the foodservice industry starting at Arrowhead Water and later as Director of Customer Service at Noble/Sysco Foods. He then launched the Foodservice Division at Banker/Nichols.

In 1985 Thomas took a huge risk and founded Grill Brokerage, a foodservice marketing agency. In a time when a handshake and personal integrity was paramount, Tom’s business grew year over year. He was extremely active with International Food Service Executives Association (past President) and Colorado Chef’s Association. Tom brought numerous products to market and helped shape Colorado’s foodservice landscape throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Thomas possessed the uncanny ability to have a good time no matter what he was doing, whether creating mischief at a food show or sharing a cold drink at JD’s Bait Shop. Tom’s successes in business were defined by the friendships he made, the laughter he created and relationships he kept for decades. The company Thomas founded is still in business today operated by his Son-in-Law, Jared and Daughter, Tricia.

Tom also spent years as an active member of the South Suburban Christian Church serving as an Elder for a time.

His life of fun and laughter did not stop in his childhood. Through numerous trips with his close friends to Mexico or Las Vegas, Tom always came back with a great story and occasionally a new scar or scuff mark.

Over the years, there was one constant phrase, “What a Feast!”, always preceded a great meal.

Tom easily transitioned into retirement traveling with his Wife and family. Tom also took great pleasure watching his Granddaughter, Taryn, grow up and flourish. Tom enjoyed summers at their condo in Frisco, Colorado. The summers were spent boating, fishing, four wheeling and enjoying friends and family. There was always an open invitation for a boat ride on Lake Dillon and a cold beer waiting for you when you arrived.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Grill (Father) and Frances Grill (Mother) and Nancy Grill (Daughter). Thomas is survived by Karen (Wife), Tricia Nowicki and Jared Nowicki (Daughter and Son-in-Law), Taryn Nowicki (Granddaughter), Terry Ryan (Sister), Elizabeth Tucker-Manty and Dale Manty (Sister- and Brother-in-Law), extended family members and amazing friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you share your fondest memories of Tom by scrolling down to the bottom of the obituary, or by sending a note or card to Horan & McConaty Funeral Home (5303 East County Line Rd, Centennial, CO 80122).

There will be a “Celebration of Life” at a later date.