Steve "The Count" Dominic Gronas

Miss you today

I missed you then and I still m

It was 37 years ago today that I married the man of my dreams. My life partner who was taken so soon from me. I could never imagine being with anyone but you because you showed me what real love was. You showed me friendship, honesty, the willl to live and how to fight for life. You showed me dreams and hopes and how to survive in this world without you.  I cry a lot and miss you so much that no one can understand what I go thru everyday without you, without your smile, your hugs, your kisses and without ever hearing your voice except in my dreams which seem so real that I sometimes wake up looking for you but you arent there. I have an empty heart. Oh what I wouldnt give to hold you or touch you or see your smile or hear your voice or smell you one more time. I love you and miss you forever until we meet again someday in the afterlife.

Steve was my brothers Ron Butrey's best friend.  I was born in 1956 so Steve was 11years older so I was the youngster. My brother Ron was a pure greaser!  Got suspended from Cody high then from st. Suzannes in the old neighborhood.  we all grew up detroit.  He would drive his hot rod down westwood and when he saw me he would yell peepie and they taught me at a young age to yell fu**!!  Awesome memory for me.  Anyway the Gronas's lived down Westwood from us and I was so much younger I didnt get to know Steve or his brother George.  Anyway great memories from the 60's!!  Brian Stewart 9645 Westwood!!!

BARBIE, IN TIME THE SORROW AND GRIEF WILL SUBSIDE. BUT THE MEMORIES WILL NEVER, EVER FADE.   DON'T LET THEM.  IN TIME, THE MEMORIES WILL MAKE YOU SMILE. FOR NOW, REACH OUT TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND GEORGE. SHARE YOUR SORROW WITH THEM. THEY ARE WAITING FOR YOU. DON'T GO THIS WAY ALONE.  BECAUSE SO MANY OF US CARE AND ARE THERE FOR YOU. I FIRST MET STEVE AT A CRUISE NITE AND IT WAS INSTANT CHEMISTRY. WE WERE TWO CAR NUTS WHO SHARED MEMORIES OF THE DANCES FROM OVER 45 YEARS AGO. WE WERE AT THE SAME ONES, BUT NEVER CROSSED PATHS THEN. WE BOTH LOVED THE DOO WOP MUSIC, CARS AND THE WHOLE CRUISIN' SCENE.  THE KONTINENTALS CLUB WAS HIS PASSION. HE WANTED IT TO BE THE BEST. AND IT WAS!   NOW THAT I'M IN TENNESSEE, I STILL CARRY YOU AND STEVE IN MY MEMORY BANKS. GONE YES, FORGOTTEN, NEVER!   WHEN YOU SEE THE NEXT BEAUTIFUL SUNSET, YOU WILL KNOW THAT IT WAS PAINTED BY...........STEVE. GOD BLESS.

My most sincere condolences to Steves family and many many friends over his most untilely passing.  Steve was a good and true friend, and although we never met face to face, our many e-mails, telephone calls, and internet conversations created a memorable and lasting friendship.  We often spoke of meeting up here in Southern California and even just prior to his passing, were making plans to get together.  I regret that we never had that opportunity, but Steves love for his family, friends, and music is something that I'll always remember.  Hopefully, if I can lead as good and decent a life as Steve, which will allow me the opportunity to finally meet up with The Count in a better place.

 

Sincerely,

 

Stu (StuBass) Miller 

The is one more thing I want to add. Near the end of Steve's life he didn't want company because of his appearance. I honored his request but had misgivings about it. Instead I prayed all the time for him. Looking back now,I wish I had just gone over to his house and said the hell with it Steve,you're going to see me,I don't care what you look like.  I know from personal experience that you'd rather not have company when you're going thru chemo but sometimes it's best to ignore freinds wishes and just go and hold their hand to give them support.

Barb & Brandy,

 

We miss Steve very much and his great sense of humor.  He was one of a kind guy.  I enjoyed him and everything he did for his family, the dances, Kontinential club and the cruises.  I can still see him at the American Legion on Telegraph. He was a wonderful man.  He will alway live in my memory.

My most heartfelt condolences to you.

 

Love,

Sandy Bruce 

When I met Steve,we instantly bonded.When I wanted to talk about who sang on a doo-wop recording,I called Steve.When I just wanted to talk about"Used to be",I called Steve.Just knowing I could call him gave me comfort.
 One time he called me to go with his car club to Cleveland to see an oldies show.  On the show was Johnny from my old group "Johnny & the Hurricanes". I hadn't seen John in almost forty years.We ended up talking back stage for a long time re-living our one-nighters.  This wouldn't have happened if Steve hadn't been so kind to invite me along.

 We both liked a type of  long drumsticks (1-A) that were hard to find. One day Steve calls me up to tell me he bought a few pairs and he wanted me come over because he bought some for me also. It wasn't a big thing but it showed me he always had my back. I'll never forget that.  
  When we both were going thru chemo,Steve would call me for support and I would call him for support. The day they started a type of chemo that caused my system to start shutting down towards death,in walks Steve. Him being there with his smile and support gave me strength to keep on fighting.
 Every time I hear a doo wop song,I think of Steve and how we both would call each other and talk about our love for that type of music. Man,do I miss him.

 God Bless you Steve,
Thank you for serving your country,your an honorable man and I love you like the brother I never had.

   Lynn Bruce

My Condolences to the Gronas family !   When the "Count" and the Kontinentals made me a member, I was overwhelmed. Since I got back from Vietnam I have always felt that I didnt belong. The Kontinentals gave me back the Belonging feeling again! I miss the good times, Dances, & Cruise Ins, with my extended "Family", the Kontinentals.  Thank You All, for some pleasant times and Memories! I will always remember Steve Gronas as a true Friend & Brother.  God Bless You All.      Rick Utley

Barb and Brandy,

Many prayers have went up for you. I cannot begin to tell you how much you have been in my heart. The loss of the Count leaves such a huge void. He was very special. Gil and I both loved him very much. I think of him often and it is such a pleasure to see this Web site. Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful memories. I am sure Steve is in Heaven. I spoke with him often---he knew Jesus! I know Him, too, and I will see Steve again. Sometimes, knowing that seems to ease the sadness.

Many Blessings

Johnnie Sue Bridges

The Man Thanks for getting us started In the detroit area We miss playing for the Count. He's with all the rock and rollers of the 50's and 60's. When I sing Oh My Head I  will always think of the Count. I will dedicate it to him. Bless all of you. The Lord be with you.

Daddy G Lopez

Hi Barb,

The Count was a gem, plain & simple.  I miss talking with him about cars.  And his jokes were so very funny!  He was just as funny in person as he was on SDF.  And he loved you & his family. Have gave us all so much & asked very little. We all know you're looking down at us, Count!!

May he rest in peace.

We miss the count over at Soulful Detroit. He had wonderful stories and was a great person!

BARB,

STEVEN WAS  A GREAT FATHER AND HUSBAND. MY SORROW IS NOW WITH YOU AND BRANDY . YOUR SUFFERING IS PAST, YOUR HAPPINESS BEGINS. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK UP THERE COUNT, YOUR FAMILY WILL SEE THAT YOU WERE THE BEST AND FILL THEIRE HEARTS WITH THE LOVE YOU LEFT FOR THEM. OH YEH ALSO THE PENNY.

 

LOVE,

THE PRINCESS

THE COUNTS SISTER