Obituary of Edward Earl Groff

LTC USA (ret) Edward Earl Groff of Banner Elk, NC died peacefully at his home on April 7, 2020 at age 83. Edward was born May 3, 1936 in Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon, NY. He is survived by his wife Mary Frances (Frankie) Pennington Groff of Banner Elk, MC; his brother Arthur Charles Groff and his wife Barbara Littlejohn Groff of Greenwich, CT; his daughter, Laura Jane Rives and her husband Bernard Peter Rivers of Gainesville, VA; his son, Douglas Edward Groff and his wife Kerri Robinson Groff of Fancy Gap, VA; a step-daughter, Caitlin Jons Pennington of Woodbridge and her fiancé Kyle Gibson of Woodbridge, VA; and a step-son Stephen J. Chalupsky and his wife Kelly Gartin Chalupsky of Brambleton, VA. He is also survived by four granddaughters, Allison Rivers, Danielle Rivers, Bryce Chalupsky, and Mikayla Gibson and one grandson Brennen Chalupsky. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Cornell Groff born in Bridgeton, NJ; his mother, Mildred Frances Wagner Groff born in New York, NY and his first wife and mother of his children, Wilma Jane Laser Groff born in Emmaus, PA. Edward was a graduate of Edison Technical and Vocational High School in Mount Vernon, NY. He received a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering Degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1958 and a Masters in Engineering Administration at George Washington University in 1974. LTC Groff was a commissioned officer in the US Army during the period 1959-1979 and served in Berlin, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; and at Military Assistance Command, Vietnam in Saigon, Vietnam in 1969-1970. He graduated from the US Army Security Agency Training Center and School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. While on active duty he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, The Bronze Star and The Legion of Merit. He was a member of American Legion Post 130 in Boone, NC and The High Country Chapter, Military Officers Association of America and was serving on the MOAA Board of Directors. Ed was always a very active person. He enjoyed running, biking, skiing, and golfing. Family and friends were always important to him and to combine that with camping always made for good times. Ed loved to travel and along with his wife, Frankie, explored much of the US and Canada in their 5th-wheel. In 2004 they began working in the cruise industry which enabled them to share their love of cruising with family, friends, and clients. Church was a huge part of Ed's life. Wherever he was, Ed was very active in all areas of the ministry. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church from the time he moved to Banner Elk until his death. Before that he was instrumental in beginning Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran in Haymarket, VA and was a charter member. Edward was a member of several Masonic fraternal organizations. He was raised a Master Mason in John Stewart Lodge No. 871 F. & A. M. in Mount Vernon, NY on June 13, 1963 (later to become Huguenot Lodge No. 046 in Tuckahoe, NY). He was also a Life Member in Perpetuity of Hay Market Lodge No. 313 in Haymarket, VA where he served as Master in 1999; and Snow Lodge No. 363 in Boone, NC. He was active in Fauquier Royal Arch Chapter No. 25; The Scottish Rite in Alexandria, VA; Piedmont Commandery No. 26, Knights Templar in Manassas, VA; Kena Shriners in Merrifield, VA and was a member of Appalachian Shrine Club in Boone, NC. The family would like to thank all the staff at Watauga Hospital, Wake Forest Baptist, and Life Care Center of Banner Elk for their efforts and attention to Ed's needs during this journey. We would also like to thank Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care for their help in making this final transition as comfortable as it could be. In this time of restrictions due to the Covid-19 virus, final arrangements will be announced at a future date and time. The family intends to hold a memorial service for Edward at Bethany Lutheran Church in Boone, NC. He will be transported to Virginia for interment at Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggests, if you wish, you consider donating to the ministry of Bethany Lutheran Church, 1030 Big Hill Road, Boone or Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church building fund at 4090 Sudley Road, Haymarket, VA 20169. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Groff family.