NORBERT EUGENE “GENE” GROFF died on Wednesday, April 5, surrounded by his family and fortified with the Sacraments of the Church, at Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy, Ohio.  He was born on October 3, 1927, in Piqua, Ohio, the ninth of 11 children of Genevieve and Albert Groff.  He married his “wild Irish rose” of 63 years, Rita Agnes Madigan on October 24, 1953.

In addition to his beautiful wife Rita, he is survived by two children:  Patrick Groff and Peggy Scott; two grandchildren:  Alexander and Megan Scott; his twin sister: Mary Jane Carey; and sisters-in-law: Josi and Evelyn Madigan. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his son David: son-in-law James Scott; seven brothers; two sisters; nine brothers-in-law; and nine sisters-in-law.

He was a 1946 graduate of Piqua Catholic High School and after graduation proudly served his country in the US Army as part of the occupational forces in Korea.  He was a long-time resident of Troy, Ohio and member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 60 years.  He worked for Defense Electronics Supply Center (DESC) as a contracting officer, retiring in 1987 after 26 years. He was a member of the American Legion, National Association of Retired Federal Employees and a volunteer at RT Industries in Troy, Ohio.  After retirement, Gene and Rita enjoyed their golden years with a move to SpringMeade Retirement Community. It was there that Gene enjoyed everything life had to offer, including fishing, playing bridge, billiards and activities at the “White House”.  He was a “gentle soul” who will be remembered by his service, deep faith and care of family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Troy with the Reverend Father James Duell as celebrant.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Troy.  Veterans Memorial Honor Guard will provide honor guard services at the cemetery.  Friends and family may call from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday and 9:00 – 10:00 am on Saturday at Baird Funeral Home in Troy.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bereavement Dinner Fund, 409 East Main Street, Troy, Ohio 45373 or National Association on Mental Illness at donorservices@nami.org.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

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