Terry L. Groff

Terry L. Groff, age 77, of West Chester, PA died unexpectedly Monday, October 8, 2018 at Brandywine Hospital. Born in Lancaster, PA he was the son of Clyde L. Groff and Ruth E. (Miller) Groff. Terry is survived by his two sons: Michael (Laurie) of Hudson, FL; Christopher (Janet) of Tarpon Springs, FL; and his five grandchildren: Nicole, Randi, Joshua, Jessica, and Julia. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jenna. He is also survived his loving sister, Judy A. Ochs of Lancaster, PA; nieces, Holly Ochs and Heather Ochs Boxleitner; three grandnieces: Bailey, Mercy and Savana and a grandnephew, Alexander. Terry is also survived by his life partner of forty-eight years, Kenneth G. Emerson. Throughout his life Terry shared his knowledge of all the things he loved in this world through his gift of story-telling. From ant colonies, to 17-year locusts, to dinosaurs; from native American Indians to his favorite silver screen star, Mae West; from his travels throughout the United States to his amazing world knowledge - be it of Egypt, the history of Henry VIII, or the smallest sovereign states of Europe. Terry was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution and spent many years exploring both our paternal and maternal genealogy. He recognized the importance of listening to family memories passed down by four generations and shared them through his story telling so that our ancestry would be cherished and remembered. Terry was well known for his culinary skills and his beautiful flower beds, many filled with a colorful array of daylilies. His love of animals began as a young child and continued throughout his life, especially with his memorable rescue and long-term care of an injured squirrel he named Buddy. Terry will be missed by a multitude of relatives, friends, and individuals that he came into contact with through his work at Paoli Hospital and throughout his life. We were all touched by his caring. Despite physical and emotional challenges, he did his absolute best to make the world a better place and as his sister, I am honored to say he succeeded. A Celebration of Terry’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 12 Noon at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Friends and family are invited for the Visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home.