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Kevin McGroarty Obituary

WEST PITTSTON — McGroarty Achieves Room Temperature!

Kevin J. McGroarty, 53, of West Pittston, died Tuesday, July 22, 2014, after battling a long fight with mediocracy.

Born 1960 in the Nesbitt Hospital, he was the bouncing baby boy of the late Lt. Col. Edward M. McGroarty and Helen Jane (Hudson) McGroarty, whom the New York Times should have noted as extraordinary parents.

He was baptized at St. Cecilia Church, Exeter, which later burned to the ground, attended Butler Street Elementary, which was later torn down, and middle school at 6th Street in Wyoming, now an apartment building.

He enjoyed elaborate practical jokes, over-tipping in restaurants, sushi and Marx Brother's movies. He led a crusade to promote area midget wrestling, and in his youth was noted for his many unsanctioned daredevil stunts.

He was preceded in death by brother, Airborne Ranger Lt. Michael F. McGroarty, and many beloved pets, Chainsaw, an English Mastiff in Spring 2009, Baron, an Irish Setter in August 1982, Peter Max, a turtle, Summer 1968; along with numerous house flies and bees, but they were only acquaintances.

McGroarty leaves behind no children (that he knows of), but if he did their names would be son, "Almighty Thor" McGroarty; and daughter, "Butter Cup Patchouli."

McGroarty was a veteran of the advertising industry since 1983. McGroarty was a pioneer in Apple computing, purchasing one of the first in the Wyoming Valley in 1985. He would like to remind his friends: "Please, don't email me, I'm dead."

McGroraty was a founding partner of Pyramid Advertising, and finally principal owner of award-winning Rhino Media until 2006. He was also an adjunct instructor at Luzerne County Community College, from 2005-2009.

He will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery, section 7N. He asks to please make note of his new address. McGroarty's headstone reads: "I'll Be Right Back," one of his favorite sayings. He leaves this world with few regrets, one being told in grade school, his adult life would see the Hershey candy bar rise in cost to over a dollar. He maintained given the resources and initiative, he would rally the good citizens of the Commonwealth to a revolution that would force that price to its original 35-cent market value, a dream he was not able to fulfill, by his own admission the reason: "I was distracted by many beautiful women."

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to please give generously to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop "P" Camp Cadet Fund.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Cecilia Church of St. Barbara Parish, 1700 Wyoming Ave., Exeter, following a brief rant of how the government screwed up all of the Bugs Bunny cartoons trying to censor violence. This will be presented by his attorney, Bret Zankel, Esq. Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday in the church.

McGroarty leaves behind a thought for all to ponder, given years of gathering wisdom from different religions and deep study of the Greek philosophers: "It costs nothing to be nice" and "Never stick a steak knife in an electrical outlet."

Arrangements by the Metcalfe-Shaver-Kopcza Funeral Home Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Jul. 25 to Jul. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Kevin McGroarty

Sponsored by The Turtles.

Not sure what to say?





Tony Burgio

December 14, 2024

Happy Birthday Kevin you will always be remembered. You have created many memories for many people.

DD

December 13, 2024

Happy Birthday!
Always in our hearts.
Miss you! XO DD

Tony Burgio

July 19, 2024

It is had to believe it´s been 10 years since your passing. Gone but not forgotten. Your childhood friend Tony B

DD

July 22, 2023

Kevin, Always in our hearts. Never forgotten. LoveYa!

Hal Flack

July 20, 2023

It´s hard to believe that nine years have passed since we lost the `funniest man on earth´. Our writing sessions for the Annual Wyoming Business Club Christmas Show are particularly memorable. Seeing this obit on the cover of Advertising Age was the icing on the farewell cake.|

Love ya Kevin, miss you every day.

Anthony Burgio

July 19, 2023

Kevin I was just telling a friend about you the other day. What a great person you were and how you influenced so many people. You are missed.

Grateful stranger

October 7, 2022

Obviously you will never forgotten, Kevin. I never met you in person, nor heard of you before hearing about this brilliant piece. I am a return reader, and thought it time to thank you. Don't we all think we'll live forever? We do - in what we leave behind....like this brilliant piece. God bless and thank you for the humor.

dd

July 22, 2022

Eight years today. Remembering you always. Love Ya! Hugs, dd

George Stuscavage

July 22, 2022

Miss ya, buddy.... But, I know you're hanging out with an epic crew. Love now, always.

Patti Orlando

July 22, 2022

Kev,
I still remember sitting in Mr Zezza art class and watching your drawings come to life. So creative.
Patti Orlando

Lynda Frushon

July 20, 2022

Hope you were there to greet Jimmy! Miss both of you!

Hal Flack

July 20, 2022

Funniest creative mind ever. Kevin my friend, your legacy of bringing joy and laughter lives on forever. How we miss you.

Melissa

July 20, 2022

Get an e-mail every year on your anniversary. Total stranger but you still bring a smile to my face...even 8 years after you´re gone.

Gary Duncan

July 19, 2022

Still the funniest obit of all time. Never knew Mr. McGroarty, but he lives on in infamy. Anyone who can leave this Earth, & become a memory for perfect strangers, has accomplished more than most people in the Milky Way Galaxy. I hope 1000s more people remember him, & appreciate his obvious gift(s). RIP Sir-you've left your mark on this old man's cortex.

DD

December 13, 2021

Dearest Kevin,
Your Light continues to shine!!!
Happy Birthday kind friend!
XO dd XO

Kelly Higgins

July 26, 2021

Dear Kevin,
I have been following your obit for quite some time now. While I never had the honor of knowing you in life, I wish that some how that you know that your wonderful wit that you have left behind has made many people feel a bit better about his world. Since your passing, I have had several friends and loved ones pass. I hope that whatever lies on the other side will allow you to meet up with all these wonderful people. I am sure you will get along famously. May you enjoy peace and happiness.

DD

July 22, 2021

Seven years ago today.
Missing you,
XO DD

Cynthia Gonzales

July 15, 2021

You know you pop up in my LinkedIn every time my girls are leaving home to college. You were my prince in shining armor. You know when my heart is heavy and have a way of reaching out to me to tell me Tiger you will be alright. I miss you so much my dear friend. Love and peace

December 13, 2020

Happy Birthday Kevin!
Miss you dear friend!
XO dd XO

July 24, 2020

Kevin,
Six years.
Miss you dear friend.
XO
dd

July 23, 2019

Five years ago you passed and your obituary spread because of its uniqueness. I stumbled upon it, and I passed it along to family and friends because of the humor and the example it created. It marked a sad day, but included some major life lessons....to appreciate life, to take time to cherish each moment and every person, and most of all to find the humor in every day. You have been a reminder of those tenets whenever you come to mind. Those five years have been filled with many challenges and changes in our lives, as I am sure that they have been for many others as well. It is interesting that you have left such an amazing impact with your words, and that you continue to make the world a better place, even in your absence. Where ever you may be in spirit, may you be at peace and find joy in that impact.

Thank you....from one of the many who can only wish they had known you. The people in your life were the truly lucky ones.

July 23, 2019

Five years ago you passed and your obituary spread because of its uniqueness. I stumbled upon it, and I passed it along to family and friends because of the humor and the example it created. It marked a sad day, but included some major life lessons....to appreciate life, to take time to cherish each moment and every person, and most of all to find the humor in every day. You have been a reminder of those tenets whenever you come to mind. Those five years have been filled with many challenges and changes in our lives, as I am sure that they have been for many others as well. It is interesting that you have left such an amzing impact with your words, and that you continue to make the world a better place, even in your absence. Where ever you may be in spirit, may you be at peace and find joy in that impact.

Thank you....from one of the many who can only wish they had known you.

Bill Brennan

July 19, 2019

You agree gone but not forgotten my friend

Hal Flack

July 19, 2019

Maybe gone but never ever forgotten, Kevin, thinking of you and all the crazy antics we pulled off at Wyoming Business Club Xmas Parties will always bring a smile. We were blessed to have you in our lives.

Mel Z

December 15, 2018

Kevin and his lust for life and continuance of life is his legacy.
Live on my friend in peace.

Tony B

December 14, 2018

Happy Birthday a day late.

December 13, 2018

Happy Birthday dear friend!
Miss you!
Hugs, dd

Bridget Fulkerson

November 12, 2018

Still think of you dear friend. Smile on us who will never forget you.

Logan

November 2, 2018

I'll meet you one day, maybe we can be friends!

Logan

November 2, 2018

Seems like a great guy!!!

Ramesh Gupta

July 24, 2018

Very Clever for Kevin! He kept himself alive through our memories for him!

Lynda Frushon

July 23, 2018

Think of you often buddy - you are missed by many!

July 22, 2018

Kevin
Miss you kind friend.
XO
dd

Angela Baldwin

July 13, 2018

I feel like I know you... Hell, I probably do! Wait for me by the Woodstock repro cloud... I'll see you there. You'll know me... I'll be the girl peeing behind the fake bushes. See you soon.
Enjoy the music and thanx for the smile...
It's Me Angie.

March 17, 2018

Miss you kind friend!
XO
dd

Ramesh Gupta

August 22, 2017

We change our bodies as we change our clothes! Kevin must have known this Truth in his mind and he practiced it and let us all know it !

August 21, 2017

Miss you!
XO
dd

Ramesh Gupta

August 3, 2017

WE LIVE ONLY WHEN WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF DYING ! Kevin proved that he lived his life to the fullest!

Jane Genet

August 1, 2017

Never heard of you ( my sorrow) but love your SPIRIT ! Happy to meet you now

Ramesh Gupta

July 27, 2017

Please watch the following video and let me know what you think of it.
I find that it is a way to keep Kevin alive in his mission: there is a life after death.
https://youtu.be/Ux370P6hPnI

Lynn Evans

July 26, 2017

I did not know you which is a shame because as per your obituary we could have been great friends. Be just as wild and amazing in the afterlife..... and thank you for brightening my day even after you are gone!

July 17, 2017

Peace

Ramesh Gupta

July 14, 2017

https://youtu.be/Ux370P6hPnI

Anna

July 13, 2017

Thank you to whoever is keeping Kevin's Guest Book online. It is such a joy to read from time to time. I hope Kevin knows what an inspiration he's been.

Ramesh Gupta

July 13, 2017

Someday I would like to read an autobiography of Kevin.

Barbara

July 12, 2017

Once in a while I tell your story to a special person. I'm about to share your humor and your generosity of spirit once again. As long as your friends remember you will always be with us!

Ramesh Gupta

July 10, 2017

I am happy to see another entry in this book!
Amazing Kevin who was not afraid of death and he convinced us of the hereafter. Fear of death is more harmful than the death itself. We learned that from Kevin!
Ramesh.

July 9, 2017

As your anniversary approaches again I can't get you out of my head...I miss how we laughed at the simplest things! You made going to the car wash an adventure...there will never be another you! Xo

Ramesh Gupta

March 16, 2017

I like to see a post every day!
This removes the fear of death from our minds. Thanks to Kevin Mcgroarty, the immortal among us.

Bob Meeker

March 15, 2017

Kevin, I hope the words to this song are not true. "In heaven there is no beer,
that's why we drink it here."

Gayle

September 21, 2016

I didn't know you, but I think I would have liked you. Keep up the good work wherever you are.

michele M

July 28, 2016

~ Remembering you today. Your words still ringing in and raising smiles~ I still get that urge to stick a knife in the outlet. Always keeping it light, for life is to short to stress.

July 26, 2016

Miss you dear friend!
XO
dd

Ramesh Gupta

July 26, 2016

Passing from one life to another should be a happy occasion because in Hindu religious philosophy it means a liberation of bondage which our life is supposed to be! A person going from one life to another is guide by the eternal light, the light house in the photo!Kevin had that vision and that was his greatness.

Mary Anne Daley

July 25, 2016

Thank you for leaving us smiling! You surely will be greatly missed by your multitude of fans.
Mary Anne Daley

Sue

February 17, 2016

Kevin, If you can read this from heaven, you have very good eyesight. Hope God has a very big radio. We are watching the turtles for you. Miss you like crazy.

L Frushon

July 26, 2015

Miss you buddy

Dennis DiPentino

July 25, 2015

If there is a comedy club up there, and it has a Marque lit up in front of the entrance, I'm sure it's got your name in HUGE LETTERS with TOP BILLING! CONTRATULATIONS, ON YOUR 1 yr anniversary, BEST STANDUP on SNL, if they have one in Heaven!

July 23, 2015

Im so sad ....I told you I didnt want to know a world without you and I was right--IT SUCKS! I miss you

Angela Allred

July 23, 2015

One small, shining light burning in memory of another...

July 22, 2015

A sad day for us all one year ago today and missing you each day.
dd

You bet they are also talking about Kevin!

Ramesh Gupta

April 9, 2015

It is not easy for many people to live a life while they are alive in this world however great is man who have thought of being alive even when leaving this world.The Greeks called Jesus the Christ when Christ mean as "Arisen". Since then Jesus has been always alive for us all. Kevin has been also alive for us all and we can call him Kevin the Krist.May be Kevin is having the last laugh with Jesus at this very moment.
Ramesh.

Valyrie K

March 21, 2015

Kevin! You're awesome! laughter is something all of us need more of! Thanks for thinking of others. Jesus bless his friends and family! :-) I will make it a point to spread more laughs and joy, too! Thanks Kevin!

deb blashock

January 31, 2015

God has indeed blessed you...now he can do it in person..wish I could have known you ...rest in peace ...

December 19, 2014

If we keep admiring Kevin, one day when are walking and thinking about him, we will have a feeling that he is running up to us and tap on our shoulders. This is our love and admiration for him and his Soul connection with us. This happened to the disciples of Jesus and Greeks named Jesus the Christ, the risen one. The Soul never dies even when it leaves the body.

Anglia Emmendorfer

December 16, 2014

RIP KEVIN...I'LL MEET YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HEAVEN....THEN LAUGH ALL WE WANT!

December 15, 2014

Happy Birthday Kevin...

Cynthia Gonzales

December 14, 2014

Happy Birthday Kevin

December 13, 2014

Happy Birthday my dear friend. I miss you.
xoxo
Missy

Ramesh Gupta

December 4, 2014

It appears that I know Kevin more than many people I seem to know who are alive with me. It seems that we know people by knowing their mind rather than any other parts that they have.
I have known more of the mind of Kevin than of any other person even though they claim to be living. Kevin was never afraid of dying and he seems to be living even now. The Greeks would have called him Kevin Christ.

Liberty Bell

December 2, 2014

Kevin:

For many years prior to her passing, my precious mother-in-law would give children walking past her place on their way home from school, Hershey bars. I am sure the two of you will find one another! Enjoy the chocolate. . .

October 18, 2014

Thanks to The Turtles because they have kept Kevin alive and arisen just as the Greeks did not accept the death of Jesus and they named him as Christ, the arisen one. If we love someone that person will never die. Kevin J. Mcgroarty will never die, again, because just like Jesus Kevin did not have an fear of death.
Ramesh.

Mel Zeel

October 17, 2014

I hope he "will be right back"....what a guy, yes?

Ramesh Gupta

October 4, 2014

I keep signing this guest book whenever I get a chance. Kevin has become a more reliable friend than many other friends I have. I thank Turles for this remarkable and unique psychological experience. The people whom we call our friends are memories in our conscious or subconscious minds. Kevin lives in the memories of many in the world. Therefore kevin makes the best friend I have today. Kevin has never given us any pain or disappointment as a friend.

Cynthia Gonzales

October 3, 2014

You were such a gentleman and a great friend. You will be missed.

September 22, 2014

Didn't know you long enough, but long enough to know that the world was a better place with you in it and that you walked with God. I hope you realized how many lives you touched in this world. Keep the Jamesons on ice for me, my friend!

Jason S

September 13, 2014

awe I miss ya buddy... I hope your tearN it up....

Pam Miller-Schott

September 6, 2014

From one class clown to the other class clown of 1979, everyone should have seen life through your eyes. It might be a better world. There will never be another Voo. Rest in peace.

Ramesh Gupta

September 3, 2014

Every time I see this email with other emails for the day, it causes a smile on my face.I believe it can change my outlook for the rest of the day and perhaps for the rest of my life.I will say that Kevin has been a good psychotherapist for all of us. He tops the list of people who have influenced in my thinking.
Ramesh.

Ramesh Gupta

September 1, 2014

By mistake my name was removed. Please accept me again as an admirer of Kevin J. Mcgroarty.
Ramesh.

August 31, 2014

Any one who is not afraid of death lives on for ever.The only other person who was not afraid of dying was Jesus. He is still alive after more than two thousands of years.Sometimes I let my imagination run wild and I think you are sitting on the right side of God and Jesus on the left and all of you are laughing like the thundering skies.
Ramesh from the Sounds of the heart group at Yahoo.com,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundsoftheHeartGroup
~ Ramesh Gupta, Amherst, New York -

August 30, 2014

We should all have such notable lives. Wish to have known him in pre-room temperature status.

e . murphy (Va)

Dennis DiPentino

August 24, 2014

This isn't my first post, but you have given so many a mind awakening, about loving life, living it for all it's worth, and accepting that moment when the booster rockets drop to the earth, (our earthly bodies) and our Spirits find a new speed, Warp 7 as we soar into the heavens. If people who have faith, knew what they say they believe, they would not fear death, they would have ROCK SOLID strength to accept it, and in many cases, welcome it! Death is not an END, it is but a new Beginning, to more freedom, more light, and more joy! You have opened a debate, most people are too afraid to discuss, as it use to make them shutter, and now they can feel free to join in and embrace the joy of shedding your worn out shell and being REBORN in the Best sense of the word!

Ramesh Gupta

August 23, 2014

I have learned from you to not be afraid of death and this fearlessness state of our mind brings humor or a state of happiness in our lives. This could be the answer to all our problems in our lives.What has to happen will happen and if we cannot change any part of it we should accept all of it. As I have said it on August 2nd, you will be with us for ever. We will keep learning more from your life and I hope we will also leave this life without any fear.
Ramesh from the Sounds of the heart group at Yahoo.com,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SoundsoftheHeartGroup
~ Ramesh Gupta, Amherst, New York

Brooke

August 22, 2014

The Hersey Bar? Really? Lost cause. Reese's Peanut Butter cups are way more worth fighting for. Godspeed.

Steph Sweeney

August 19, 2014

You were a god among men.

August 12, 2014

Where were you when I lived in Pittston?
God and Jesus must love having you with them! Say hi for me.

August 11, 2014

Yes,to getting the women with his humor. I was at a party at his parents house once and three women thought they were with Kevin! As they spoke to one another they realized and got very angry with him and left! Kevin asked me if I ever heard of a love triangle I said yes, and then he asked how about a love octagon!!! I never forgot that but the funny part is I was the last woman standing...Kevin and I had an understanding for many many years and many more had that understanding too but you were going to laugh and feel like the only woman in the world at the same time! It was ok because it was Kevin! There will never be another Kevin...not for me!

Ashley G

August 11, 2014

I wish I would have known you personally kevin! We need more people like you in the world. God bless your soul and may you rest in peace!

August 10, 2014

Kevin,

A childhood friend that will be missed. Your Mom, Dad and brother were always proud of you and now you are reunited with them.

Joe Fisher
Charlotte, NC

Patti Simmons

August 10, 2014

He was a really amazing man. He still is. My heart goes out to ALL who knew him and whose lives were richer because of it. Sorry I nver got the chance.

Heather Han

August 9, 2014

This is amazing. Sounds like an awesome man to have known. Rest in peace, Kevin!

Anna

August 9, 2014

Mahalo Kevin! What A Great Inspiration you are.. Oh yeah, no emails.. : ) May Heaven Embrace your soul Dear One!

August 8, 2014

He sounds like a great guy

Tami Lanunziata

August 7, 2014

Still touching lives from the other side! Way to go Kevin. Love em in life and death....
For those that did not have the pleasure of knowing Kevin missed out on one great Human being.

Denise wojcik

August 7, 2014

Kevin you were such a good person!!Loved to hear him n George sing at Pattes!!!! He was always very nice to me n my children we will never forget him!! He made the best logo for my son moving company and always supported what my son did.Everyone can see his logo on his truck n shirts Semper Fi Moving we will always have him in our thoughts.He will never be forgotten!!!and sadly missed. The Wojcik family

sondra

August 7, 2014

thanks for making me smile. i was suicidal less than 24 hours ago and you made me remember what its like to smile. thanks.

Dan Mowrey6 Weaver Road

August 6, 2014

Hey Kev................ I'll meet you in the afterbirth.....,,,,, er....ah afterlife.

Dan Mowrey

Gloria J Thomas

August 6, 2014

I wish that I had the pleasure of meeting you in my many travels. Your Humor even in death says it all. R.I.P Kevin

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