Robert K. Groff, 80

April 20, 2025

Robert K. Groff, age 80, passed away on April 20, 2025, in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

Born on August 7, 1944, Bob was raised at 524 E. Front St., Lititz, PA in the house built by his grandfather, and in Germany with a strong sense of purpose and integrity. He graduated from DM Therrell High School in Atlanta, GA, before earning his BA Journalism from Pennsylvania State University, 1966; a milestone that marked the beginning of a lifelong devotion to Penn State and its Nittany Lions.

Shortly after graduation, Bob served his country as a Specialist 5th Class in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. He honored this service by actively participating in veterans’ organizations including PA Chapter 678 of Vietnam Veterans of America where he served as secretary and the George M. Kemp Post 346 of The American Legion.

In 1968, Bob began a nearly four-decade-long career at *The Pocono Record* in Stroudsburg, PA, where he worked as a reporter and editorial writer until his retirement in 2006. His editorial column “Wry on the Rocks” became a beloved fixture in the community for its sharp wit and unflinching honesty. Bob was twice honored with the Keystone Press Award for Outstanding Column by both the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association and the Pennsylvania Society of Newspaper Editors, recognition that reflected not only his journalistic skill but also his commitment to truth-telling.

Beyond the newsroom, Bob’s dedication to public service was equally profound. A member of the Kiwanis Club of Stroudsburg for over 30 years, he served on its board and helped establish its Scholarship Foundation to support local students. He also lent his leadership skills to the Boards of Directors for both the Monroe County Public Library and the Burnley Workshop, as well as Communications Director for Monroe County’s Office of Emergency Management. Bob also served as a statistician for East Stroudsburg University Athletics for many years.

After retiring to Lancaster County, Bob continued his service to the community by joining the Board of Mount Joy Helping Services and as a member of the Food Bank volunteer staff. He spent countless hours cheering from sidelines at his grandson’s sporting events or enjoying quiet moments with his beloved grand-dogs.

Bob is survived by his wife Joan Bickley Groff; daughters Meredith Groff Ely and Liz Groff; son-in-law Michael Ely; and grandson Jack Ely. He was preceded in death by his parents Myra Yerger and Mahlon Groff, as well as his brother David Wayne.

A time of gathering for family and friends will be held at Spacht-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 127 South Broad Street, Lititz, PA 17543 on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 PM. Bob’s internment will be with family in Moravian Church cemetery, Lititz, PA.

May Robert K. Groff’s legacy continue to inspire integrity in journalism, dedication in service, and fierce loyalty in all who knew him.