Maurice Gropman

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Maurice Gropman, a former resident of Bennington, Vt., passed away on March 10, 2004 in Fort Lauderdale due to complications from heart disease. “Murray,” as his family and friends knew him, was a resident of Tamarac, where he semi-retired in 1986 after 35 years in Bennington. He was born Nov. 26, 1925 in Lynn, Mass. and raised in Dorchester, Mass.

He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during World War II. Upon completion of military service, Murray returned to work in the family business in Scituate, Mass., and later met and married Selma Miller of Dorchester, Mass. They had been married nearly 53 years when Selma passed away two years ago.

Murray and his family moved to Bennington in 1951 where he was best known for the 10 years he worked with his father-in-law Saul Miller at Saul’s department store. Later he was employed in management by Greenberg’s Hardware for 25 years. An outgoing and active member of the community, Murray was well liked and known for his cheerful demeanor, generous nature and willingness to lend a helping hand. He was an active member of Temple Beth El in Bennington and a member of several service organizations, most notably North Bennington’s Tucker Lodge 48, Free and Accepted Masons, the Bennington Lodge of Perfection and the Shriners of Cairo Temple in Rutland, Vt.. He enjoyed many activities, including gardening, bowling, swimming, softball, reading and joke telling. He is survived by three daughters, Brenda Gropman, Sandra Ruland of Colchester, Vt., and Melissa Gropman Powers of Richmond, Va.; as well as by his only grandchild, Alexandra Ruland. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Gropman of Los Angeles, Calif., along with several nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by many close friends in both Vermont and Florida.

Funeral services were held at Stanetsky’s Memorial Chapel in Canton, Mass. Burial was at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, Mass. Family gathered after the services to share fond and loving memories. Memorial donations may be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Development Office, International Shrine Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.