The Joseph Groh Foundation is proud to announce its latest grant recipient, Jonathan, a dedicated union pipefitter, welder, and HVAC professional from Florida. Jonathan’s story is one of resilience, family devotion, and an unwavering commitment to the trades.
Jonathan began his career at just 19 years old as a pre-apprentice with the union in Mobile, Alabama. Through years of hard work, he progressed from apprentice to journeyman, and eventually to foreman and superintendent. Much of his career was spent leading critical infrastructure projects on military bases across the Southeast.
While working at Eglin Air Force Base, Jonathan suffered a devastating workplace accident. He fell from a 14- foot ladder onto a boiler, breaking his back, and then to the concrete floor below. The fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a T9 complete spinal cord injury (SCI), which required spinal fusion from T6 to T12. The injury left him without sensation or mobility below the point of impact.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Jonathan emerged from rehabilitation with two clear goals:
- Return to work in the trade he loves
- Remain active in his five children’s lives
“I know nothing but work,” Jonathan told us. “I want to be able to go to job sites and run crews, but I just can’t here in Florida because it is so sandy. I am a very loving husband and father of five, and I want to be able to enjoy life with my family like we always have because we are a very on-the-go type family.”
Because of the sandy terrain near his home, a standard wheelchair wasn’t feasible for Jonathan’s lifestyle or goals. He needed a Trak Chair, a specialized all-terrain mobility device—but neither Worker’s Compensation nor his insurance would cover the cost. While researching options online, Jonathan discovered The Joseph Groh Foundation. As an organization dedicated to supporting workers in the trades who have experienced life-altering injuries, we were honored to step in.
Thanks to our incredible donors and supporters, we were able to meet Jonathan’s needs and help him take the next step forward.
Jonathan shared that the Trak Chair would allow him to return to the workforce and enjoy his family’s active lifestyle again. His company has already planned to bring him back gradually:
“I’ll start out working from home, then move back into the office, and finally out to the field as a project manager,” he said. “I’ll take off the plans for materials and meet on-site with the crews to make sure they have what is needed to get the job done. Perhaps best of all, however, I will be able to attend my children’s outdoor activities and be a big part of their lives again.”
The Joseph Groh Foundation is honored to support Jonathan in reclaiming his purpose and independence—at work, at home, and in his community.
About The Joseph Groh Foundation: The Joseph Groh Foundation is a 501c3 public charity, dedicated to providing information and financial assistance to those in the contracting trades who are living with life altering disabilities. They also advocate for pathways to affordable short/long-term disability insurance for employees of small businesses in the contracting industry. The Joseph Groh Foundation has given over $1.35 million to families in 34 states needing assistance in the past 16 years. For more information, please visit our web-site www.josephgrohfoundation.org or contact us via e-mail hope@josephgrohfoundation.or or by phone: 214-998-9749.
The post The Joseph Groh Foundation 2025 Newest Grant Recipient: Jonathan O’Shea from Florida first appeared on HVAC Insider.