Obituary of Peter L Groff

MAYVILLE - Peter L. Groff, age 85, of Burdick Rd., Mayville, NY, died Friday, May 13, 2016 at home following a courageous battle with Parkinson Disease. Peter was born on May 27, 1930 in Boston, MA, a son of the late Horace and Marjorie (Lambert) Groff. Peter graduated from High Mowing School in Wilton, NH and from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, MA majoring in Forestry. Following his service to our Country during the Korean War, with the US Marine Corps, he returned to further his studies at the University of Massachusetts. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Surveyor and for a number of years was a buyer for a large timber company in the New England area. After completing qualifying examinations, he worked as a NYS Forest Ranger and later transferred to the NYS Parks System, where he served as Superintendent of Lake Erie State Park for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Upon retirement, he and his wife Anne, built a home on Burdick Road in Mayville, NY and spent many happy years in their woodland retreat, that was a gathering place for all their extended family and friends. He loved and deeply appreciated nature and had a special bond with his many canine companions over the years. He was an accomplished cross country skier. Peter was a life member of the American Dowsing Society and used his skills to Dowse hundreds of water sources over the years. His gentle kindness and caring soul, was a wonderful nurturing contribution to his entire family. Survivors include his wife: Anne (Rosel) Groff , two daughters: Natalie (Edward) Bellando of Coldwater, OH and Judith (Jack) Huth of Painted Post, NY and two sons: Andrew (Carol) Johnson of Titusville, PA and Timothy (Linda) Johnson of Westfield, NY. 9 Grandchildren and Many Great Grandchildren also survive. Peter is further survived by his sister in law, Sue Loeb of Fredonia, NY, his cousin, Ruthlee Root of Derry, NH, and a niece and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister in law, Jean Hayner, and his cousin, Louise Audette. Friends may call on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 4-6PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, where The funeral will be held following visitation at 6:00 pm with The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Elberfeld Jr. of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Mayville officiating. Memorials may be made to Hospice Of Chautauqua County, 20 West Fairmont Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Groff family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information. Peter graduated from High Mowing School in Wilton, NH and from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Amherst, MA majoring in Forestry. Following his service to our Country during the Korean War, withe the US Marine Corps, he returned to fruther his studies at the University of Massachusetts. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a Surveyor and for a number of years was a buyer for a large Timber company in the New England area. After completeing qualifying examinatinos, he worked as a NYS Forest Ranger and later transferred to the NYS Parks System, where he served as Superintendent of Lake Erie State Park for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Upon retirement, he and his wife Anne, built a home on Burdick Road in Mayville, NY and spent many happy years in thier woodland retreat that was a gathering place for all thier extended family and friends. His gentle kindness and caring soul, was a wonderful nurturing contribution to his entire family. He loved and deeply appreciated nature and had a special bond with his many canine companions over the years. He was a life member of the American Dowsing Society and used his skills to Dowse hundreds of water sourses over the years.