John G. Groft, Sr., 81, of Lancaster, died peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late John and Edith (Fitzgerald) Groft. He was married to June J. Jarrett Groft for 60 years in June of 2007.

A veteran of World War II, John was a Buck Sergeant in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre of Operations and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

John was a Superintendent of Human Resources at UGI Corporation for 39 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where he belonged to the Senior Shepherds. He was also the past Master of the Andrew H. Hershey Lodge #43 of the Free and Accepted Masons, as well as a life member of American Legion Post #34 and a member at the 8 ^th Ward Club.

John enjoyed watching sports on TV and going to the beach, and he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by two sons: John J. "Jack" Groft, Jr., husband of M. Colette of Lancaster; and Jere M. Groft of Landisville; three grandchildren: John P. Groft, husband of Lindsey; Mary E. Gilson, wife of Michael; and Andrew M. Groft; a brother, Harold Groft of Asheville, NC; and two sisters: Lori Vatter of Leola; and Geraldine Kaska of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Dumas.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA on Friday, January 4, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 p.m., with the Masonic Service at 8:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 from 9:00-10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark L. Russell officiating. Interment in Riverview Burial Park. Please omit flowers. Those who desire may send memorial contributions to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.