Thomas E. “Lars” Gritton, 61, of Sycamore Street, Niles died at 7:50 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2010 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born March 14, 1949 in Detroit to George Edmund Gritton and Elaine Belva (Choate) Gritton. He moved from Detroit to Altoona, Pa. in 1992, and then to Niles in 2002.
He was self-employed in home repair. Tom graduated from Denby High School in Detroit and earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Wayne State University in Detroit.

He was involved for 30 years in the Boy Scouts of America beginning as a Cub Scout and serving as an adult volunteer. He enjoyed camping and hunting, and was considered a master griller for outstanding meals prepared over a campfire. He also enjoyed reading Tom Clancy novels and watching his boys participate in sports. He even served on the road as “Lars,” the Viking mascot. He was known as the “go-to guy” when anything needed fixing.
He married Martha Susan (Cowden) Gritton on Nov. 28, 1971 in Roseville, Mich. She died Nov. 7. 1991. He later married Tara Gallagher-Gritton, who survives.

Tom is also survived by his sons, Brandon Gritton, of Niles, Jason (Kelly) Gritton, of Lakeville, Ind. and Liam Gritton, of Niles; granddaughters, Devin, Alyssa, Raven and Kieran Gritton; grandson, Damien Gritton; and Tara’s parents, William and Patricia Gallagher, of Niles.

Tom’s family will host a celebration of life at a later date.

There will be no visitation.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Milano’s Cancer Fund, c/o Niles Community Federal Credit Union.