John Groff Dies Unexpectedly At Age 42

JOHN U. GROFF
March 6, 1969 - October 23, 2011

Fairfax - John Urius Groff, 42, died on Sunday October 23,2011 at the Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington due to injuries resulting from a tragic accident that occurred on October 21, 2011.

John was born on March 6, 1969 in Burlington, the son of Loren and Bertha ( Dubuque) Groff. He served in the U.S. Army for over 16 years and was a Desert Storm and Operation Nobel Eagle Veteran.

Following his duty to Iraqi Freedom, he served as co-manager at the Burlington International Airport as Airport Ambassador for 9 years.
John was the most loving, caring husband and father totally devoted to his family. With his heart and soul, he lived for them. His dedication and service to his country was true and genuine. A proud man, large as life, with a heart that left a mark on everyone he
knew.

John is survived by his wife Lori (Lefebvre) Groff of Fairfax, by his children Jamie Benson Groff and Sham Michael Seals, both of Fairfax and Brianne Nisbet of Milton, his brothers and sisters Loren Groff & wife Vicki ofTx., Reginald Kirby and wife Gayle of Richmond, Michael Kirby & life partner Steve Wilson of Bolton, Sue Benoit and husband Edward of Milton, Beverly Noble and husband Bruce ofIsle LaMotte, Gina Smith and partner Gene Garvey of Milton and Trudy Hallett of Plattsburgh. He is also survived by his former wife Susan Groff of Milton, his mother-in-law Barbara Lefebvre of Shelburne, sister-in-law Lisa Barr and her husband Dennis of Barre and their children Samuel and Owen Barr, by his best friends Gary Estus, Carl Lafountain, Blaine Gordon, and Peter Palmer and by two very special boys Nate Kilburn, and Conner Laroche, and by many many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff in the lCU at the Fletcher Allen Health Care. Their caring and compassion comforted us through a very difficult time.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, Oct. 31, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Burial will follow in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton. Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com.