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Jerome Groom Obituary
Aug. 15, 1929 - Feb. 29, 2008
Jerome "Jerry" Groom, Sarasota, died Feb. 29, 2008, after a long illness with melanoma cancer.
He was a Notre Dame All-American and was inducted into the College Hall of Fame. After playing pro-football with the Chicago Cardinals, he went on to become a sports announcer for the Denver Broncos for several years.
After retiring as a vice president with Levi Strauss, he retired to Sarasota with his wife, Kathy. He was a very loving man.
He was a member of Gator Creek and Laurel Oak Country Club.
During this time he co-founded the Frank Leahy Memorial Scholarship Fund, which to date has raised over $2 million.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Curran; daughter Cynthia Kaiser (James) of Sarasota; daughter Maureen Sloan-Wilson (Timothy) of Oregon, Wis.; son James Sloan (Catherine); son David Groom of Glendale, Ariz.; daughter-in-law Helen Groom of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Michael Kaiser, Katelyn and Colton Wilson and Colby and Grahm Groom; sister Deloris Carlyle (Hershell); brother-in-law Frank Leonetti of Sarasota; sister-in-law Dolores Curran of Littleton, Colo.; and in-laws Tom Curran (JoAnne) of Denver, Colo., and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Groom, and sister Mary Anne.
Services will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, Saturday, March 8, at 10 a.m., 2911 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank Leahy Memorial Scholarship at Notre Dame, Ind., or the American Society for Melanoma Research.
He was a friend of Bill W.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Groom
Sponsored by Cindy Kaiser.
Cindy Kaiser
March 3, 2020
Its been 12 years since Dad passed away and not a day goes by that I dont think about him and miss my dear Dad. I love you Dad, Cindy
Mike Nelson
June 11, 2008
Cathy and family
Just learned of the passing of Jerry. Wonderful guy to many of us at the Chicago Athletic Association. On behalf of my dad and I our sincere condolences.
RICHARD & ANGELA BATTERSBY
March 22, 2008
Kathy, Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss, our visits toTivoli will never be the same.
Phyllis Haber
March 12, 2008
Kathy: We were sorry to hear about Jerry and send our sympathy to you and your family. We have happy memories of Jerry and our years at Tivoli.
Phyll & Dick Haber
Pat Byrne
March 10, 2008
Dear Kathy and Family,
We were saddened to hear about Jerry. He was a wonderful person. We will remember his many stories and his smile will never be forgotten. God bless you all.
The Byrne and McGivern Families
Laura Anzelmo
March 10, 2008
Dear Kathy and Family,
My name is Laura McGivern Anzelmo. Jerry is my cousin. My father, John McGivern, and Jerry were great friends. Jerry was in my mom and dad's wedding as my father's best man. I am so sorry to hear about Jerry's death. What a great man! My sister-in-law found Jerry's death notice in the paper yesterday, 3-9-08, and quickly called all of us. We are deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. Love, Laura McGivern Anzelmo and Family
Bill Cowhey
March 10, 2008
Condolences to Kathy and the
groom family. The world is a better place because of Jerry. How proud of his life you all must be. He will not be soon forgotten by his legion of friends.
MURRAY JOHNSON
March 9, 2008
Jerry was a leader of leaders playing at one of the toughest positions of a football team (center)He was respected by all team members including several All Americans.
I'L SAY A PRAYER FOR JERRY AT MASS.
James D. Haggerty
March 9, 2008
To the Groom Family: My dad was James D. Haggerty Class of 1952 from Chicago, Illinois. My grandfather and two uncles are N.D. grad's Dick Class of 47, Joseph Class of 57 and Richard Class of 1914, the same year as Knute Rockne. My dad would bring Jerry home on weekends to get some of Grandma's home cooking. Although I never had the honor to meet Jerry, I know what type of man he was. He was a man of character, hard work and integrity. He was a Notre Dame in the very best sense of the word. My dad would tell stories about him and Bob Williams and I would be on the edge of my seat hanging on every word. There's not a doubt in my mind that the Boomer is in Heaven right now and my dad gave him a giant hug. Good Bless the Groom Family.
catherine sloan
March 8, 2008
Jerry, my father-in-law, welcomed me into his family in 1994 with such love and affection. What struck me from the first time that I met him was his genuine interest and kindness for everyone strangers and friends alike. He was exuberant and passionate about his notre dame family and his own family. I am grateful to have known such a fine gentleman. I love you Jer..
Jim Sloan
March 8, 2008
Our family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, and their support through this difficult time. Jerry raised me since I was 4. He was a fantastic father, Who taught his kids, to be kind, to be careing, and to treat people with love and respect! I truely miss my Best Pal Jerry. May you rest in peace. Love Jimmy
ed howard
March 7, 2008
kathy and all the groom family. we loved jerry and will miss him. the love of the family and friends will get you through... ed and joyce howard
Tom Owens
March 7, 2008
Dear Kath and Family Your Chicago pals were terribly saddened at the passing of Jerry. The Boomer was a true friend and agreat man. Jerry's love for Notre Dame, his God, and his friends was only surpassed by his love for you, Kathy and his family. He was truly a Man for All Seasons. We know that Jerry is now in the loving arms of his God. Love and Prayers, Bill and Gail O'Toole, Jack and Nancy Callahan, Tom and Mary Owens
Carolyne Wallace
March 7, 2008
My sincere condolences and prayers go to the Groom family. Jerry was one of my favorite guests at Varsity Clubs of America - he was very sweet and kind to the entire staff and always seemed very happy to be back in South Bend. I know there were times when Boomer came to South Bend for a game weekend but simply did not feel well enough to go to the Stadium. He is well now, and captain of the all-Heaven squad that includes too many of his Leahy's Lads. I am proud to have been one of his "dolls."
Nancy & Brian Sullivan
March 7, 2008
Dear Kathy and Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of our Great Pal, our dearest friend, and Notre Dame's greatest Captain ever.
No one brought more people into the Notre Dame family with such joy and welcoming spirit. Generations of Notre Dame students will benefit from Jerry's dedication in the founding and success of the Leahy's Lads Scholarship Fund. He was a son of Our Lady and a unique Notre Dame man who truly believed in God, family, country and Notre Dame. He was a once in a lifetime guy and we were privileged to have known him.
Go Irish, Jerry!
All our love and prayers,
Nancy, Brian & Teddy Sullivan
Terry Miller
March 6, 2008
Cathy and Family, Jerry was a great mentor and gave me my first great job. I offer you my deepest condolences.
joe serantoni
March 6, 2008
my deepest condolences to cathy and family. i worked with jerry for a number of years. he was a great friend and mentor. jerry brought his positive attitude from his football days to the world of business.losing was not in his vocabulary and winning wasn't everything. the boomer will be missed.
March 6, 2008
IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE MEETING JERRY AND HIS WIFE KATHY AT OUR STORE. HE WAS SO SWEET AND CARING TO RETURN TO OUR STORE AND AUTOGRAPH PICTURES OF HIM WHEN HE PLAYED AT NOTRE DAME.
FROM ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT THE CLOCK GALLERY IN SARASOTA FLORIDA.
Dennis boone
March 6, 2008
Kathy & Family, Very sorry to hear about Jerry, He was a great teacher and good friend, He will be missed.
Dennis Boone
Pauline Gent
March 6, 2008
We would like to express our very sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Kathy and her family on the very sad loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have met Jerry an Amercian Legend one of lifes true gentlemen. Kind, considerate, generous and a true friend. We will greatly miss his friendship, laughter and conversation.A giant among men who will live in our thoughts and hearts forever. Love Brian & Pauline Gent and Family (Ireland)
Cindy Kaiser
March 6, 2008
My Dad was a truly loving man, as all who knew him are aware. I like to think that Dad is having the greatest football reunion ever, and probably centering the ball again to the Lads, with Coach Leahy presiding over the game. He fought hard, laughed hard and loved with all his heart. The family is touched to read the comments from all of his "pals and dolls". Love, Cindy Kaiser
Elliot Markel
March 5, 2008
RIP...You will always be in my heart.
Heidi Warniers Daniels
March 5, 2008
Kath, David and I send our condolences from Orlando. We were so saddened to hear of Jerry's death. There is not a day that went by since we moved to Orlando in 1999 that I did not think of Jerry. His gift to me of the 104th replica of the Frank Leahy Memorial and my being called a "Honorary Leahy Lad" meant more than anyone can know. May God bless and keep him and I will remember him forever. Heidi Warniers Daniels and David Daniels, Orlando: ND Club of Greater Sarasota, ND Club of Greater Orlando
Douglas Chapman
March 5, 2008
Sherry & I send our love and condolences to you Cathy. The coach was my Old Pal. Always a gentleman who saw the best side of everyone and each situation. He loved his family like his sport .... undconditionally!! I had the great pleasure of accompanying him to New York when he was inducted into the College Hall of Fame ... a well deserved tribute to a great sportsman and gentleman. Our prayers are with you Coach!!!
March 5, 2008
He was a true gentleman. I helped him make photocopies at Kinkos of his "Groomed For Action" photos.
Rich Cunney
March 5, 2008
Only knew Jerry the for the last 8 years through my brother Paul Cunney. What a Notre Dame gentleman! Thoughts and Prayers from Rich Cunney and family
Patrice O'Malley
March 5, 2008
Dear Mrs. G - - I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. G. was one of the great ones that will always be remembered and sorely missed. I'm sure he is up in heaven with my dad and all of the other great "Lads" who have passed, watching over us all. Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. Love, Patrice
Carol Ann Hanlon
March 5, 2008
Cathy, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the family. Jerry was always such a wonderful man and we all had such a great friendship when I worked in Sarasota. He will be remembered in the hearts of everyone that knew him.
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