Obituary of John Groves

John Edward Groves, a retired General Electric Supervisor passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday evening, August 10, 2013. He was 68 years old. John was born in Boston, the son of the late Charles and Lillian Groves. He grew up and was educated in Jamaica Plain. He proudly served in the Navy for 4 years from 1961 to 1965. He held the rank of Seaman and served on the USS Sullivan AND USS Newport News and served during the Cuban Missle Crisis. John was the recipient of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Dominican Republic and the National Defense Service Medal. He was proud to serve his country and proudly displayed the American Flag in his home. John was a member of the American Legion. John settled in Burlington in 1968. After leaving the Navy John went on to have a successful 30 year career at General Electric working as a High Voltage Technician at many of the Nuclear Powers Plants. He was a supervisor and worked on plants all over the world. John retired at the age of 51 and made the most of his retirement years. He owned a home in Conway, New Hampshire which was the perfect location for him to enjoy hunting, snowmobiling, and canoeing. He enjoyed motorcycles and thought that a Harley Davidson was the only Motorcycle to own. John enjoyed spending times with his friends sitting around a bonfire and setting off fireworks. John’s dog “Zek” was his buddy and he could be seen driving around town both in Burlington and Conway with “Zek” sitting by his side on the front seat. John was very handy working as a mechanic restoring and repairing cars. He was always willing to lend a hand or offer his guidance whenever he was asked. He was an avid Boston sports fan following the Patriots and the Red Sox. He found much joy in his five grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa John”. He will be remembered for his wit, strong will, patriotism, and devotion to his family. John was the loving father of John E. Groves, Jr. of E. Hampstead, NH, Patricia A. Groves of Burlington, and Cyndy R. Rosander & her husband Eric of Acton, ME. He is the brother of Lorraine Truhett of CA. He was the proud grandfather of Chelsie Groves and Eric Jr., Chad, Ryan and Cody Rosander. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 of Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday Aug. 16 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in John’s name may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St., Boston, MA 02108.