Kurt Gronnegaard, of Avon, Connecticut, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 29, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on October 24, 1934, in Ringe, Denmark, Kurt was the son of the late Niels and Ketty Gronnegaard.
Kurt’s career in aviation with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) took him and his family on a journey that spanned the globe. The Gronnegaard family lived in Greenland for two years, then Southern California for another two, before returning to Denmark. In 1972, they made the United States their permanent home. Kurt opened a successful business as an aviation consultant, working with many major airlines both nationally and internationally.
Kurt and his wife, Gitte, were passionate about the great outdoors and avid campers. Together, they visited most of the National Parks along the West Coast, creating lasting memories with their daughters.
Over the years, Kurt built countless lifelong friendships, especially with members of their Danish circle in California. Upon retirement, they fulfilled their American dream by moving to Palm Desert, California. Kurt could often be found relaxing in the jacuzzi tub, wearing his cowboy hat and declaring, “What have we done to have it so good!?”
In 2001, Kurt and Gitte’s love for their grandchildren brought them to Connecticut. There, Kurt designed a new home, which he and Gitte built much of it with their own hands. They also came out of retirement and embraced a second career in real estate, working alongside their daughter, Pia. Their circle of friends grew as they made additional friends after moving to Connecticut.
Kurt was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He cherished time spent with family and friends, particularly on the “sunset porch” with a glass of wine, where laughter and love were abundant.
Kurt was predeceased by his beloved wife of 53 years, Brigitte Gronnegaard, and his granddaughter, Christina Ciccone. He is survived by his brother, Poul Erik Gronnegaard of Denmark; his daughter, Pia Ciccone and son-in-law, John Haddad of Burlington, CT, his daughter Susanne Gronnegaard of Ventura, CA; his granddaughter, Elizabeth Ciccone Turner and her husband Collin Turner of Columbia, SC; his grandson, Daniel Ciccone of Burlington, CT; and three great-grandchildren, Sage Ciccone, Gianna Ciccone, and Greyson Turner.
Kurt’s legacy of love, humor, and adventure will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. In keeping with Kurt’s wishes, private services will be held at a later date.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jani and the CICU care team at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Saint Francis Foundation, 95 Woodland St., 2nd Floor, Hartford, CT 06105, or online at https://giving.saintfrancisdonor.com/donate
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