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Longtime Westerly Lion A. Leo DeGroff passes away

January 6th, 2009 12:39 PM

DeGroff, A. Leo

LCDR A. Leo DeGroff, USN (Ret), 84, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully at home in the company of his family on Jan. 3, 2009.
Born in South Bend, Ind., on March 28, 1924, he was the son of Dale DeGroff and Thelma Bays, and stepson of Cletus Michels.
After graduating from Mishawaka High School, he entered the U.S. Navy as an aviation cadet, completing flight school in Corpus Christi, Texas. While stationed at Charlestown Naval Air Station, he married Carmela Pignataro of Westerly, who survives him.
He is also survived by a brother, Carroll DeGroff of Westerly and a sister, Catherine Shafer of Mishawaka, Ind. He was the beloved father of Judith Davis of Canterbury, Conn., Dale DeGroff of West Hempstead, N.Y., and Donna DeGroff of Westerly. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Jill Brennan, Jeff Davis, Leo DeGroff, Maria Mason, Blake DeGroff, Daniel Kenenski and Jonathan Kenenski, and two great-grandchildren, Birch and Alden Brennan.
His career as a naval officer spanned 23 years during which time he served on the USS Essex, the USS Antietam and numerous duty stations abroad and in the U.S. LCDR DeGroff was then employed by General Dynamics until his retirement.
He was a long-time member of the Westerly Lions Club and served for many years as Youth Exchange Chairman. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th degree and served for many years as treasurer. He was a member of the Westerly Elks and a social member of the Calabrese Club. LCDR DeGroff enjoyed swimming daily at the Ocean Community YMCA.
He was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church, serving as lector, member of the parish council as well as volunteering in the parish office.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be private.
Calling hours will be held at the Gaffney Dolan Funeral home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly, on Tuesday, Jan. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Immaculate Conception Church, or Hospice of RI.
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Published in The Westerly Sun on 1/5/2009

Posted by Admin Website on January 6th, 2009 12:39 PMPost a Comment (0)