Meet The Director of The Grotto

William “Bill” Tronolone came to the Mount community bringing 35 years of marketing experience, 10 of those years working at the Capital Centre in Washington, D.C. where he worked with well known sports magnate, Abe Pollin. Prior to the Capital Centre, Bill perfected his Brooklyn accent in his hometown of New York.  When he and his wife, Loretta, moved to the D.C. metro area in 1986, Bill and his family discovered the Grotto. Bill and Loretta have two daughters, Nicole who resides in New York City, and Lisa, who graduated from the Mount in 2007.  Lisa married Jake Foster, who also graduated from the Mount in 2007, and they live in New Jersey.

Bill’s love for the Grotto has grown over the years and when the plans for the Visitor Center were announced he was asked to step up to the plate as Director of the Grotto in charge of the building campaign. He envisions the center as a place of hospitality, information and comfort for the thousands of pilgrims who come to Our Lady’s Shrine throughout the year.

Bill is quick to point out the newest addition to the Grotto, a shrine to our beloved Pope John Paul II which is located in a prominent area of Our Blessed Mother’s Garden.

Bill’s energy is boundless, his faith an inspiration and his vision is to make this holy place an unforgettable National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes. Stop by and talk to Bill about how you can participate in these most worthwhile projects honoring the Blessed Mother at the Grotto.

William V. Tronolone
Director of the Grotto
Phone:  301-447-6725
Email:  tronolone@msmary.edu