Kathleen Marie Grochala (“Kate”), 66, of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away on September 13, 2025 in Morristown, NJ.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ on Friday, September, 19, 2025 at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. A repast will be held at the Washington House, in Basking Ridge, from 1:30 to 3:30.

Kate was born in Carbondale, PA to Thomas and Ellen Farrell. She graduated from Kings College in Wilkes Barre, PA in 1981 and Seton Hall Law School in 2005.

Kate had two passions in her adult life.  First, raising two daughters, which was a job that Kate loved very much.  And during that same time, being actively involved in local Republican politics.  Kate went to law school late in life while raising two teenage daughters.  After law school, she worked at the Coughlin Duffy law firm in Morristown, NJ and then became the Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Denise Coyle in the NJ Legislature.  For 27 years she was a proud member of the Bernards Township Republicans and served one term on the Bernards Township Committee.

Kate was very well known around town for her kind and generous spirit.  She was passionate about helping others in her community, especially the local Police Department, Veterans and fellow Moms.  She also enjoyed supporting local businesses and formed lasting relationships with many of the local shop owners.  Kate will be remembered for her charisma and altruism.

Kate was married to her loving husband, Richard Grochala, for 41 years.  She was predeceased by her father, Thomas.  She is survived by her mother Ellen, her husband, Richard Grochala, two daughters and two sons-in-law, Kelly Coveney and Joseph Coveney and Molly Grochala and Jasim Mobaidin, her sister, Maureen Salitsky, her brother Thomas Farrell, Jr., and two grandchildren, Camille (“Millie”) Coveney and Rafael (“Rafi”) Mobaidin.

For further information, or to leave an online condolence message, please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in Kate’s memory to The Bernards Township Law Enforcement Foundation, at www.btlef.com.