William Ellsworth Groff

June 03, 1936 - February 17, 2015

Obituary For William Ellsworth Groff

William E. Groff, Jr., 78, formerly of Martinsburg, passed away February 17 in Raleigh, NC after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Coatesville, PA, son of the late William and Catherine (Smith) Groff. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janie in 2008.

Surviving are his two daughters, Kim (Randy) Alexander of Greenville, NC and Kelly (Christopher) Werner of Raleigh, NC; four grandchildren, Lindsey Alexander of Philadelphia and Bryan Alexander of Yardley and Addison and Jackson Werner of Raleigh, NC. Also surviving are a sister, deLoros (Charles) Cook and James (Bonnie) all of Coatesville, PA., a niece, nephews, other relatives and many friends He was preceded in death by a sister, Judith (Walter) Slowik. Mr. Groff was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Bill graduated from Coatesville High School in 1954 and Lock Haven State Teachers College in 1958. He later received a Masters in Education from West Chester State Teachers College. Bill retired from Spring Cove School District in 1995 after 35 years of teaching health and physical education. During his tenure, he coached football and basketball and he started the boys’ track and field program. Many of his students can recall his booming voice! Mr. Groff, an avid Steeler fan, loved all sports, boating on Lake Raystown and later on Lake Gaston, the Outer Banks, reading books and spending time with family – particularly his grandchildren.

A public memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 117 E. Julian Street, Martinsburg. All are invited to attend and to share, to reflect and to fellowship in Bill’s memory, with a catered lunch to follow. His daughters ask that everyone dress casual and wear Central or Steelers attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be send to the Bill and Janie Groff Scholarship Fund, c/o Central High School, Martinsburg, PA 16662.

Services

21 Mar

Memorial Service

10:00 AM

St. John United Church of Christ 117 E. Julian Street Martinsburg, PA 16662 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

jean shellenberger

Lit a candle in memory of William Ellsworth Groff
September 01, 2020

jean shellenberger

so sorry to hear about your Dad, Kelly... He was a nice man.. I remember a lot of times during basketball games... especially with Tyrones coach Mr. Sweeney !!! You are all in our thoughts and prayers ... Jean and bill Shellenberger
September 01, 2020

Sall Rhodes

What can I say that hasn't already been said !!! Loved your Dad and Mom . Bill was one of a kind His picture says it all !!!
September 01, 2020

Matthew L. Stern

My Prayers and Condolences are with the Family at this time. I had Bill as a gym teacher in 1984-85 at the Spring Cove middle school. Everyone could be talking out loud, but when you would hear his voice, everyone knew gym class was starting and we would shut up or you would run laps. Your father was a Great man and Great teacher, the kids that we have growing up today, I wish they had gym teachers like your Dad, it would either be shape up or ship out, no back talking or being snotty, or you can run laps the whole gym class. I wish the Best for the family at this time, I would like to be at the memorial on March 21st, but I will be working away in Reading, Pa. Your Family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You! Sincerely, Matthew L. Stern
September 01, 2020

Josette Frye

Lit a candle in memory of William Ellsworth Groff