Tom Van Groningen passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Ripon, CA, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Born to a Dutch immigrant family in Hanford, he attended the Hanford Christian School and played football at Fresno State. He began his career as an educator in Laton and Porterville before moving to Modesto in 1974 as Chancellor of the Yosemite Community College District.

Tom was deeply dedicated to the Modesto community, serving organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, the YMCA, Doctors Medical Center, Community Hospice, and the Salvation Army. Post-retirement, he served on the Modesto Irrigation District Board and ran an executive consulting firm. An avid private pilot, he loved sharing his passion for flying with friends and family.

He is survived by Grace, his wife of nearly 74 years; son, David; daughter, Sue; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He left the world a better place, blessing everyone he met with his kindness, grace, and integrity.

Memorial services: Saturday, May 30th, 11:00 a.m. at Modesto Christian Reformed Church, 2620 College Ave.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, May 23, 2026