Karl Joseph Grentz, Jr.

Karl Joseph Grentz Jr., 71 of West Chester, PA passed away peacefully Sunday, October 22, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Upper Darby, PA, he was the son of the late Karl J. Grentz Sr. and the late Genevieve "Jean" Curry Grentz. Karl grew up in Glenolden, PA, and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1969 and Widener University in 1973.  

Known for his welcoming and charismatic personality, Karl had the best laugh and a sense of humor that we’ll greatly miss. He was the first person to introduce himself in any room. He was a convener, an organizer, someone who dreamed big and got things done. He started the Briarcliff Summer Basketball League and the Glenolden Whiffle Ball League as a young man. He was a terrific baseball player and excellent basketball referee for the PIAA and IHSA, later in life becoming President of the Chester County Sports Officiating Organization.

Karl worked as a sales representative for Xerox for 34 years. He achieved President’s Club status multiple times, received numerous leadership awards, and was ranked as the number 1 sales representative during his career. Karl enjoyed his job and genuinely cared about his customers.

A natural-born leader, Karl actively supported his community and the places he loved. He was heavily involved in Widener University’s annual golf outing benefiting the athletic department. He was a parishioner of SS Peter & Paul Church. While living in Hershey’s Mill, he became involved in the village association in 2015 and was elected President in 2019. He pushed for progress and wanted the very best for Hershey’s Mill, evidenced by all the advances and upgrades made during his leadership.

The greatest joy of Karl’s life was his family. Karl and the love of his life, Theresa Marie Shank Grentz were married for over 49 years. Karl was the neighborhood paperboy, which is how the two met in 8th grade. Karl and Theresa were a true team, making several moves throughout their lives and raising two wonderful sons. They were each other’s number one supporter and best friend.

Karl enjoyed spending time with his two sons, regularly grabbing lunch with Kevin to talk about life and family and work; and driving up often on weekends to spend quality time with Karl in New Jersey. Known as Pop Pop, he relished the precious time spent with his four grandchildren, from playing catch in the backyard to attending sports games and dance recitals. He loved to golf, even achieving a hole-in-one, and could often be found celebrating at the 19th hole. He liked listening to the oldies, watching classic movies, and socializing with friends and family.

Karl gracefully and courageously battled advanced-stage prostate cancer for the last two and a half years, never giving up hope or the fight.

In addition to his wife, Theresa, he is survived by his sons, Karl Grentz, and Kevin (Kelly) Grentz, and his grandchildren, Emily Grace, Jack William, Luke Joseph, and Liam Ryan Grentz. He is also survived by his brother, Alan (Barbara) Grentz, and his sister, Karen (Bill) Schmied. Additionally, Karl is survived by his mother-in-law, Christina Shank, sisters-in-law, Doris Shank and Donna (John) Lynch, and brothers-in-law, Chuck (Kathleen) Shank and Anthony (Kathleen) Shank as well as many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Thursday, October 26th, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 North Church St. West Chester, PA 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 27th at 10:30 am at the SS. Peter & Paul Church 1325 E. Boot Rd. West Chester PA 19380. Live streaming will be available Here. 

Interment will be in the SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery Springfield PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry (OSMM), 318 N 8th Street, Vandalia, IL 62471, and/or Fox Chase Cancer Center, Office of Institutional Advancement, 333 Cottman Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19111,