Richard Paul Groff

Richard Paul Groff, 76, of Strasburg, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 29, 2025. Rich was born in Lancaster to Roy and Ellen (Moore) Groff. He grew up in Kinzers and attended Lancaster Mennonite High School. Rich was the beloved husband of Beverly (Irons) Groff, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone who knew him. Rich was known for his generosity, serving in many positions at Lampeter United Methodist Church, including Chair of the Trustees. Making sure everyone was comfortable for every event, Rich would be known to swing by at any time of the day to check all of the thermostats. Faithful to God in a strong but quiet way, Rich demonstrated his faith through acts of service. It was a priority for Rich to help members of the community, especially those who wouldn’t ask for help on their own. He treated everyone with dignity, always thinking of others. Having worked as an HVAC & Refrigeration Mechanic for Clark Electric, Inc. for 40 years, he retired in 2015. Rich loved his trade and instilled a strong sense of work ethic in his children. No matter the type of equipment, if it made things hot or cold, Rich knew how to fix it and keep it running. These challenges, and seeing his smiling customers, provided a great source of satisfaction to him. He was proud of his work, enjoyed making friends at the businesses he served, and loved sharing epic stories of his triumphs over machinery. As the most curious person any of us knew, Rich would strike up a conversation with anyone at any time, always wanting to know more. He found wonder in most everything and loved to share stories with the family. Whether he was at work or home, Rich had an uncanny understanding of practical physics and was a natural problem solver. In no particular order, Rich loved to… - Explore the area in his loud, rumbling blue truck, with no specific agenda in mind - Spend time at Ocean City, Maryland, and be on the water with family (never missing an opportunity to induce chaos for the tube passenger riding behind) - Watch (and light off) fireworks - Tease chickens and pigs at the Farm Show - See sporting events in person, including the famous “Snow Bowl” with his sons in 2013 - Follow NHRA drag racing, attending many races in person and watching races with Alex - Experience concerts and dance recitals performed by his children and granddaughters - Catch wild birds over the years, proudly bringing them inside to show Bev and the family before releasing them in the backyard - Delight his kids with found objects, creating cherished memories for his kids such as riding around the neighborhood in a discarded laundry cart - Be involved with his sons in their Troop 56 Boy Scout activities, camp weekends, and Scouting for Food - Enjoy world travel with Bev after his retirement, including a European river cruise - Work in his garden and backyard - Quote his favorite shenanigans from Seinfeld - Listen to music, including his favorite oldies station - Serve as President of the neighborhood Saturday Morning Fire Hall Breakfast Club - Enjoy the thrills of riding and driving things that move fast, for instance go-karts and roller coasters - Give Christmas gifts that require refrigeration to friends and family - Engage in his quest every fall to find the largest $1 head of cabbage in Lancaster County to bring home to Bev - Connect with animals, including pet cats, turtles, chickens, fish, and his treasured dog, Ebony. Rich will be missed by his wife, Beverly B.; sons, Mitchell J., husband of Hayley (Greer) of Mount Joy; Alexander J., husband of Gina (Everhart) of Lancaster; daughter, Richelle M., wife of Evan Zeiders of Enola; and his adored granddaughters, Norah and Charlotte. Rich was the youngest of four siblings. Surviving are Charles (Janet) Groff, John (Gretta) Groff, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and a wonderful extended family. Rich was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy (Melvin) Allgyer. The family is planning a memorial service and celebration of Rich’s life to be held on Saturday, July 19, at Lampeter United Methodist Church, 1101 Village Road, Lancaster, PA 17602. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. His memorial service will begin at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these organizations that impacted Rich throughout his life: American Diabetes Association or Lampeter United Methodist Church.