TOLEDO, Ohio — As Detroit fans geared up Sunday to watch their beloved Lions in the NFC championship, the game meant a lot to many in our region -- even if the Lions fell short of making the Super Bowl this year.
For one Toledo family, it meant even more.
On Christmas Eve, David Grodi, 66, died of cancer just minutes after the Detroit Lions secured their place in the playoffs.
Grodi was a lifelong Lions superfan, so family and friends decided there was no better time to pay tribute to him Sunday with a very special football-themed celebration of life.
“He would be so ecstatic. He’s watching over us right now and hopefully that’s going to bring us a Super Bowl this year,” said David’s son Chad Grodi before the outcome of the game was known. “He was born in 1957, the last time the Lions won the championship, so my dad waited his whole life to see this.”
Family and friends spent Sunday gathered together, many wearing Lions gear and shirts memorializing Grodi.
For the man who loved the Lions, many said this was the perfect opportunity to celebrate his life with those who loved him, even if his team fell short.
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