Errol L. Groff

1947 - 2017

ERROL L. GROFF 1947 - 2017
PRESTON - Errol L. Groff, 69, beloved husband of Terri Groff of Preston, CT passed away early on March 17th, 2017 at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. Born in Cheyenne, WY to Marcia and Ernest Groff, he was lovingly raised by Rowena and Arnold Hansen in Bethel, CT. He was the proud father of two wonderful children, Susan (Thomas) Dombrowski of Franklin, CT and Errol Lance (Beverlee) Groff of RI.
Errol had a long and varied career as a master machinist, model maker, tool maker, and most recently instructor of machine technology for 24 years at H. H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson. In retirement, he was webmaster for the New England Model Engineering Society of Waltham, MA and attended dozens of machine, tractor, plane and truck shows every year, busily photographing every machine and tractor (because they each have a different serial number). And if the machine was working, he took a video of the action and rushed home to add the photos and videos to his "baby" the NEME-S.org website.
He collected and bred tropical fish, eventually opening The Fish Shop in Groton, CT. He and Terri were certified judges for the Northeast Council of Aquarium Societies and judged shows throughout New England.
A private pilot, Errol owned a Piper J5A airplane and built a Pietenpol Air Camper in their garage. Errol belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association and for 37 years, traveled annually to Oshkosh, WI to volunteer at AirVenture and was proud of his low 5 digit EAA membership number.
Well-traveled, he and Terri had visited England, Europe, Canada, Alaska and many US states. They most recently returned from the Cabin Fever Engine Show in Lebanon, PA.
Errol was a "bastion of trivial knowledge" and challenged Jeopardy 6 nights a week. He was an avid UCONN Women's Basketball fan, always cheering for 'the girls'. He also enjoyed watching Patriots football and snoozing through a Boston Red Sox game.
Errol also leaves behind his foster brother Robert (Lorna) Hansen of ME and several nephews, as well as his stuffed best buddies Roy, Eddie, and Bob. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 50 years, family, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Errol L. Groff Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o CorePlus Credit Union, 202 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 25th at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 275 Otrobando Avenue, Norwich, CT with calling hours at 10am, service at 11am, followed by a luncheon.