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Dick Groat Obituary
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28 Entries
Reed Cudmore
July 8, 2024
If memory serves, Mr. Groat played shortstop for the '64 Cardinals, and was a calming influence on the team. I had read years ago how the younger players looked up to Dick, as he sparked the Redbirds to the Series championship.
Well done Sir, the last inning has been played, but you are no doubt on a higher playing field now.
John K
September 26, 2023
I never met Mr. Groat, but will always remember his kindness. I am a huge baseball fan and Mr. Groat was gracious enough to sign some of his cards that I sent to his home through the mail. He returned them so quickly that I asked him if he would be willing to sign a couple more if I sent them to him. He replied that it would be no problem. I sent the cards, he signed them and returned them to me. Never asked for anything in return. I will be passing those cards on to my grandsons to help grow their love of the game of baseball
R.I.P. and thank you for your kindness
Prayers for your family
John K - Elgin, IL
Mary (giordano)garren
June 11, 2023
So sorry to hear of Dick's passing... I have many fond memories of his parents and uncle who lived a few houses down from us in Swissvale, PA. Dick was still living in the family home when his sister and nieces would visit for much of the summer and became close friends to my older sister Kitty and me. We had many great summer afternoons learning canasta and cooking with his mom and riding bikes. I distinctly remember his mother sending us up to wake Dick up to go to practice with the pirates....it was not an easy job!!! His neice and I would call him with no result and had to tickle his feet or through a glass of water on his face!! He was a great and funny uncle!! His parents were super and always encouraged the neighborhood kids to play ballgames even to the extend of paying for and replacing windows that may have suffered as the result!! DICK came from a fabulous family that I am so grateful to have known and dearly loved and remember!! He was my older brother's( brig Gen Frank r Giordano's west point 64 idol )
Larry Smith
May 31, 2023
I was 12 years old. It was the summer of 1960 at Wrigley Field. Dick Groat was playing catch with Bill Mazerowski near the first base dugout. He bobbled the ball into my hands as I stood along the wall in awe of these stars of the game. He asked for the ball so he could finish playing catch. But he disappeared into the dugout WITH MY BALL! Five minutes later, he came back with a ball signed by him, Mazerowski and Elroy Face.
I was at Wrigley two days ago and re-told that story as my wife and I strolled past the lower level box seats after the game.
This story says a lot about Dick Groat.
p.s. The ball in question was used a great deal and was last seen in the bushes of my friend´s backyard.
The family should be very proud of this man.
How you can show support
Angela (Klemmer) McGuirl
May 26, 2023
My deepest condolences to the family at the loss of such a wonderful man. He and my father (Joseph R. Klemmer) were good friends in the 70s. I remember playing with Allison at his house in Pittsburgh.
M
May 20, 2023
What a great player he was. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Stan “Sandy” McPherson
May 18, 2023
Such a Great Man and true Gentleman! Always a wonderful host at his Golf course and a true Pittsburgher Forever! Sports aside, he made his mark by being just a man to look up to in every aspect of his life!
Robert Statler
May 4, 2023
Paul and Allison,
So sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. Pappy and he were members of a different kind of generation. Thanks for all of the memories from so many years at Champion Lakes and the scrambles we played in together and won! Love, Bob and Sheri Statler
JF
May 1, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
CA
April 30, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Also Almighty God is a helper and comforter Psalm 86:17 Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Zara
April 30, 2023
My thoughts go out for the family. I am so sorry for your loss. May God help you find peace.
Zara
April 30, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time.
Odette
April 30, 2023
My condolences to the family.
Lynn
April 30, 2023
I am fortunate enough to have seen Dick Groat play. He and Maz were the best double play combos in baseball. I never got to meet him, but I certainly enjoyed going to the games and watching him turn a double play. RiP Mr Groat
Michelle McGregor-Smith
April 29, 2023
My dad Jim McGregor and Dick were lifelong friends both growing up in the same neighborhood of Pittsburgh and being amazing basketball players in high school
Even when Dick went on to play basketball and baseball at Duke and my own father went on to play basketball at W&J they were always so close
After my father married my mom
She introduced Dick to a good friend of hers Barbara
Dick and Barbara married and had 3 beautiful girls
Was blessed to have gone to school with them, the youngest Allison in my class
We all were blessed with Dick his amazing persona wit talent and ability to bring people together
The world is a better place because of his amazing dedication to all things family community and life.
Blessings and much love to the family
Michelle McGregor-Smith
Bobby Romah
April 29, 2023
What a difference Dick Groat made in the lives of so many young people who looked up to him like I did. He gave me an MVP trophy in high school at our banquet I´ll never forget it! He always let us IUP golf team play for free at Champion Lakes. RIP
faith c tobin/brad j.herscot
April 29, 2023
Dear Groat Family Brad and I would like to express our condolences's to the family and he'll surely be missed very much and may he rest in peace.best faith/brad
JOY
April 29, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Groat Family. A legend from Wilkinsburg ! I went to school with Tracey but never knew how wonderful her dad was. Your dad played during the time when my uncle, Frank Dezelan, (who was also from Wilkinsburg) was an major league umpire and at the same games. Amazing greats from a once thriving little town. Very sorry for your loss.
Judy Massimo Murray
April 29, 2023
I spent four summers working at Champion Lakes for Mr. Groat. I knew nothing about him when I started my job, but by the time I left, I knew his laugh, his step on the stairs, and his voluminous capacity for coffee.
I also knew how well respected Mr. Groat was by the regular golfers as well as the celebrities who came to Champion Lakes visit and golf with him.
He left an impression on the many people he encountered day to day just as he did on the millions of fans who cheered for him in the course of his spectacular career.
He will be missed.
I'm sincerely sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Gary Overand
April 29, 2023
Groat and Mazeroski a great double play got the Pirates ! Groat was an all around great athlete but even a better man
Mark Saunders
April 29, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the entire Groat family (Tracey, Carol, & Allison). I only wish I could've been a fan during Mr. Groat's career. His athletic prowess is legendary.
Mark Saunders
EHS class of 1976 (with Carol)
Larry Wayman
April 29, 2023
So saddened to know Dick will no longer be with us but am sure he will be in a better place with the Lord! Pittsburgh has lost an icon athlete and gentleman both on and off the arena and field.
Ken behr
April 29, 2023
Mr groat was a true gentleman. He was my favorite ball player as I grew up. I got to know him very well from Edgewood where he resided to champion lakes where he played lots of golf. So many memories... my condolences to Tracey carol ann and Allison. And to family. Sad loss.
Barbara Geiger Dempsey
April 29, 2023
To Dick Groat's family. Many many years ago Dick Groat came to our home to visit with my grandfather Lyle Geiger. I was thrilled to see him as I was a baseball fan and noticed how kind he was. I have no idea of the connection but Buppy was happy to see him. Buppy and I attended many games at Forbes Field. Just a memory that will remain with me forever. God Bless.
Baseball Fan
April 28, 2023
I was just looking at Dick's excellent career MLB stats, a few hours before I received the news of his passing. What an amazing skill set this gentleman had. An all-around brilliant athlete, and more!
Safe at home, Dick. You lived an extraordinary high-achieving life.
Pete Cullen
April 28, 2023
Dick Groat was one of the better shortstops of his era ,he and Bill Mazeroski were one of the best interior infield duets the of Major leagues back then! He was a fine basketball player as well and a Pirate all time great ! I saw him play twice at Forbes Field in 1959. God bless and R.I.P.!
D0LLI GROAT
April 28, 2023
TO DICK GROAT'S FAMILY. I'M HEARTBROKEN TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF DICK. I HEARD MANY WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT DICK THROUGH MY GROAT FAMILY. JACK GROAT, MY DAD AND HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS WERE DICK'S
COUSINS. THEY WERE ALL SO PROUD OF DICK AND ALL OF HIS GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. SENDING LOVING HEALING PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU. JACK'S DAUGHTER, D0LLI, DOREEN GROAT.
Cindy Silk
April 28, 2023
He was a wonderful person
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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