Frederick Lee Groce

Frederick Lee Groce, 89, of Sugarloaf, passed away peacefully at home Friday morning, March 21, 2025.  He was born November 11, 1935 in Greenville, Pennsylvania, the youngest child of Frank and Ruth Groce.  Frederick lived the first part of his life in Ashtabula, Ohio graduating from Edgewood Senior High in 1953 where he made numerous lifelong friends.  Fred met his lovely wife, Heather Parker, at Jewels Dance Hall.  They both enjoyed square dancing and soon fell in love.  They were married on June 8, 1958 and shared almost 67 years together loving each other and raising their 4 children.  

When the children were young, Fred built stalls for two Shelton ponies for cart and wagon rides.  As the children grew, he built bigger stalls for Quarter horses for all the family to ride.  They were members of the Dusty Boots Riding Club in Ashtabula. 

Fred was not only a dedicated family man, he was a dedicated worker too. Fred was employed  at Inland Container for 42 years, starting in the office, learning the business, and  becoming a Supervisor for various positions in the plant. He was well liked by friends as well as co-workers. Ask anyone who knew him, they would say, "Fred was a great guy".

Fred enjoyed many activities including woodworking, fishing and hunting. For several years, Fred and Heather would travel with his small boat and fish the small lakes in Canada. Fishing 20 miles off shore on Lake Erie with his son Rory was not his preference, but he was all in once the walleye were jumping in the cooler!

He looked forward to his yearly deer hunting trips to Canada with his son, Rodney.  He enjoyed shooting trap locally and traveled for competitions. In retirement, Fred played a lot of golf at Sugarloaf Gulf Course, as a member for many years. He got his exercise walking 18 holes on a regular basis.  His golfing buddies were a great group of gentleman that were first off the tee at sunrise.  They played well and fast, dividing the friendly wagers after each round.

Fred and Heather drove to Winter Haven Florida in the winter for several years. They had several friends there and would enjoy many activities in the warm weather.

But most of all, Fred enjoyed family gatherings with his wife, children,  grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was truly the patriarch of the family sitting at the head of the dining room  table, watching over and listening to the wonderful conversations of his children and grandchildren.

Fredrick is survived by his loving wife, Heather and three of his children; Rory Groce (Laura), Austinburg, OH; Ruth Sullivan (Wm. Thomas), Gettysburg; and Roberta Naylon (Jerald), Sugarloaf; daughter-in-law, Jill Groce, Sugarloaf; 12 grandchildren, Emily Quayle (John); Jacob Groce (Courtney); Derek Groce (Holly); Garrett Groce; Jared Groce (Jessica Wenner); Frederick Sullivan (Elisa); Ryan Sullivan (Elizabeth); Kaitlin Sullivan (Jesse Spencer); Kenneth Naylon (Courtney Foster); Kristina Kelchner (Matthew), Kimberly Naylon (Matthew Blendick); and Karlee Naylon, 11 great-grandchildren, with three on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Groce, five sisters and a brother in addition to his parents.

Frederick's family invite you to join them in celebrating his life at his funeral and Memorial Service on April 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  from Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc.(East) 669 W. Butler Dr., Drums, PA. Friends may call at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be entered, and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com.

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