The Story of Our New Research Vessel: The Grodzki

Our PIMS family is beautiful – marine scientists and conservationists working to ensure that the marine life, so critical for our own existence, persist; through the many natural and man-made challenges they face today. Our extended family is filled with many beautiful people as well. Some are project partners and others are silent supporters, but all understand that our success is realized only when we all play an active role towards the same end goal.

We’d like to introduce you to Kevin Grodzki! Kevin S. Grodzki, beloved husband, son, brother, father and grandfather, was born in New Brunswick, NJ on May 29, 1955. Kevin attended St. Francis University in Loretto, PA where he met his wife in 1974. For more than 40 years he enjoyed a career in his field, most notably with DuPont and Brunswick Corporation, focused on business development, communications and sustainability. Kevin was Brunswick Corporation’s Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. He directed activities related to internal and external communications, managing Brunswick’s organizational relationships within its industries, communities and governments.

Diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer in 2021, “He handled his battle with the consummate grace and strength with which he faced all challenges. He was loving, humorous, and giving until the very end, and passed on surrounded by family as he wished. Kevin was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed. His life exemplified supreme integrity and will provide an enduring example of what it means to be a good man to all those who knew him.”

In celebration of his life, the way he championed the Perry Institute and supported our work while at Brunswick, we recently named our research vessel the “Grodzki.” We will be reminded of Kevin during each marine survey, planted coral, and restored mangrove project that we lead. We are grateful for people like him, whose support enables us to do good and who never hesitates to give back. Our most sincere condolences and much love to Kevin’s wife, Marcella, the Grodzki and Brunswick families. May love be the language we use to communicate with each other, to save our oceans and to heal Earth!


We’re so grateful to Kevin Grodzki for how he championed the Perry Institute and supported our pivotal ocean conservation work. “His life exemplified supreme integrity and will provide an enduring example of what it means to be a good man to all those who knew him.”

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