The son of Bernice Freeman and William Groves of Chemung, New York; Gerald Groves was born at home on June 21, 1928. He married Helen Simcoe, the love of his life, on February 12, 1949. After 65 years of marriage, Helen passed away in 2014. Gerry and Helen were the proud parents of seven children: Greg (Maria) Groves of Maryland, Jerrilee (Paul) Relyea of New York, Jeff Groves (deceased) of New York (married to Sarah Sholes), Shawn (Abeda) Groves of Virginia, Kelly (Cora) Groves of Florida, Eryn (Larry) McAuliffe of Florida, and Colleen Groves (married to Walter Avery) of Florida. They also enjoyed the love and respect of 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Family meant everything to Gerald and his generous spirit included many more men and women in his heart as sons and daughters.
Gerald was founder of a successful construction company, Groves Construction of Staatsburg, New York, which operated for 16 years. He also founded a successful Real Estate Company which catered to locals as well as celebrities and dignitaries. Before retiring Helen and Gerry operated a Bed and Breakfast at their home, Scenery Hill, where they hosted international guests plus students and staff from the Culinary Institute of America. Many of their guests became friends for life.
Gerald always believed in giving back to the community and found the time for civic service in Hyde Park, New York. He was President of the Rotary Club, served on the Town Council and as an active Republican he tried to bring differing opinions together for the good of the community. Gerald was a long term, active member of the Hyde Park United Methodist Church. He was a founding member of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce where he served as President for one term. Gerry was on the Hyde Park Recreation Commission and was responsible for the building of two baseball fields. In addition, Gerry served as Police Commissioner for the Town of Hyde Park. He also was a long-term member of the Rhinebeck Chapter of the Masons.
For retirement Helen and Gerry moved to Cape Coral, Florida in 1998. They enjoyed many happy years together golfing, traveling and just being together.
More than being a father, business man and civic leader; Gerald had a spiritual, artistic side. He is well known by his family and friends as a masterful poet. Gerald would often share his bits of wisdom with appreciative friends. In saying farewell to this very special man, we will use his own words. “Throughout this life of trouble and woe, I take myself wherever I go. So, with happiness I seek to find, I must first have peace of mind.” Farewell to a great man.
A Memorial Service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral on Saturday, June 4 at 2:00 pm. All are welcome. Donations may be made in memory of Gerald Groves to the Transplant Games of America, 1595 Galbraith Ave SE, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or at https://transplantgamesofamerica.org/give.
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