Obituaries

Donald Martin Groff, Sgt. Major US Army (Ret.), 79

September 11, 2014

Donald Martin Groff, Sgt. Major US Army (Ret.), 79, of New Providence, PA, died Thursday, September 11, 2014, at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, Quarryville, PA. Born in New Providence, he was the son of the late Benjamin F. and Mary A. (Young) Groff. Donald shared 50 years of marriage with his wife Carol J. (Bressler) Groff.

He served 22 years in the US Army, including two tours in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. An Infantry and Mortars NCO, Donald’s many awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor Device and Bronze Star with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster. Donald ended his Army career as one of the ROTC Cadre at the University of Alaska (Fairbanks) 8th ROTC Region.

Drawn to the great outdoors of our 49th State, Donald and his family planted their roots and he worked for the State of Alaska as the airport manager in Prudhoe Bay until his second retirement. After 30 years of residency, he was accepted into the Pioneers of Alaska fraternity. Donald was a member of the C. Russell Huber American Legion Post No. 57 in Fairbanks for 28 years and the Public Employees Local 71 State of Alaska.

Donald loved to fish, travel in his motor home, work on vehicles with his sons and spend time with his family, of whom he was very proud. Donald and Carol enjoyed dividing the calendar by living in Fairbanks, Alaska, Mesa, Arizona and New Providence, PA.

Donald’s family includes his wife Carol, sons Matthew Groff, husband of the late Kari of Collegeville, PA, and Vince Groff of New Providence; daughter Cathy, wife of Mike Kulp of Bowmansville, PA; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; and his siblings Ruth Brackbill, Earl Groff, Dora Reese, Mary Lou Lightfoot and Linda Kepner. He was preceded in death by stepson Steven Speece and siblings Victor Groff, Catherine Shiffler, Frank Groff and Esther Groff.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17661, with Pastor Mark J. Thiboldeaux officiating. Donald’s family will greet friends from 10 to 11 AM on Wednesday. Interment with Military Honors will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PA Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (www.woundedwarriors.org), Hope Lodge of the American Cancer Society – Philadelphia (donate.cancer.org), or Fox Chase Cancer Center (www.fccc.edu/helpingfoxchase).

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Condolences to the Family

September 17, 2014

Aunt Carol, Matt, Vince and your families.  It is with much saddness to have learned of Uncle Don’s passing.  While our hearts are heavy knowing that he is gone I and my family are left with all of the good times and wonderful memories.  These are the things that will last eternal until we all see each other once again.  Love Shawn, Jenni, Kelsi and Caleb Reese

September 17, 2014

This Fairbanks Family in Island Homes was so very blessed to have known such a wonderful man. Carol is amazing herself. The many years we spent as neighbors were a blessing. Watching Don spend his free time mowing the lawn, and cleaning the street, which he so enjoyed have been missed. He set a precedent here. The neighborhood is not the same without him and our condolences and prayers go out to his family. Love, Momma Heidi, Honey, Aurora, Taylor
 
 
 
“I will always remember him lifting me over the fence so I could come help him clean the motor home”-Aurora
 
 
 
“I remember him helping me fix the lawnmower” – Taylor
 
 
 
“He always had air, grease, wd-40 and the tools necessary to get the job done.” – Honey
 

September 17, 2014

Carol & Family, Sorry about your loss. Don was a wonderful person and we enjoyed spending time at Chatanika, listening to good music, having a few totties and just being in great company. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tim & Xenia

September 16, 2014

Carol, Vince and family,
So sorry to see the sad news in todays paper!  Our hearts are with you and all your loved ones during these diffucult times, you have so many great memories as a family, may they bring you comfort as you celebrate Don’s life.
Christi and Michael Brand

September 16, 2014

Carol & Family, SGM Groff was the first person I met when beginning my job at the UAF ROTC office.  We shared that front office until his retirement, and I loved each day.  His professionalism on the job was amazing, but he loved those cadets and wanted only the best for them in their future Army career.  We had some fun times and Carol, I still have your recipe for a gooey butter cake, so I have thought of you whenever I used your recipe.  He was an awesome man and Jerry and I send our deepest sympathy.
Kathy & Jerry Payne
Tucson, AZ

September 15, 2014

Dear Carol, Vince, Matt and family…our heartfelt condolences to you, we are so very sorry for your loss…Don will be truly missed.
We shared many many wonderful memories that we cherish – love to you all – Lu, Di and Bev
 

September 15, 2014

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Groff family! I wish we all could be there with you Carol, but know we are with you in prayers! Sending big hugs! We love you!
Laura Letuligasenoa and Family

September 15, 2014

I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with my Father over the past years.  He will be greatly missed and will live forever in my memories and heart. Rest in peace. Love you Dad, Cathy
 

September 14, 2014

All I can say is a piece of my heart and all of my love an prayers went with him.  Sending love an condolences to Carol and his children.  My brother can finally rest.  I love you Don.  Lynn & Ira

Visitation
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
441 North George Street
Millersville, PA 17551
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Services
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
441 North George Street
Millersville, PA 17551
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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