Richard DeGroat

Richard J. DeGroat

2018

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Obituary of Richard J. DeGroat

Richard Jay DeGroat went home on April 13, 2018, at the age of 60 years old.

Son of John and MaryJane DeGroat, he was born on February 19, 1958. Brother and forever friend of Randy and Roger DeGroat.

He graduated from DeVry Institute. He was the smartest technician at IBM, where he worked for 20 years. No challenge was too big for him. His work ethic was one for the books. He always found a way to succeed and then, of course, brag about it.

He was as tough as they come, but his soul so gentle. The strongest man, who (for the most part) never started a fight, but he sure knew how to end one. His kind heart always stuck up for the underdog. He treated every living thing with respect- even the spider hanging in your window, because after all, the spider couldn’t help he was creepy.

He was the man who did anything for his friends. If they needed him, regardless of how dangerous or mischievous, he was there- no questions asked. Stories that are only believable to his crazy friends who were there; they will look back, laugh and shake their heads.

He loved his wife, JoAnne, for 37 years and she will feel his love forever and always. His oldest daughter, Jennifer, will hear his lectures before every decision she makes. His youngest daughter, Jaclyn, will hear his cheers every time the Rams score a touchdown. His grandson, Trevor, will laugh while he plays Mario Kart, reminiscing on all the times he beat Grampy at racing. His cat, Rosey, will hear his call when he smells shrimp cooking in the kitchen.

We will think of him when we hear the roar of a motorcycle; when we are firing off a round at the range; when we see FOX news on the TV; when that song comes on he told us to listen to.

Remember that he is not gone. As we move forward, let’s not speak of him in the past tense, but in the present. He will forever be in our hearts. He will always be watching over us, as he sits on a bench sipping on a cold drink with Mr. Lahey.

“The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.” -Thomas Paine

GO RAMS!

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home - Haverstraw