John Michael Groves

Delray Beach - John Michael Groves, 65, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on July 26, 2025 at Broward Health North, Pompano Beach, FL. He was born on June 17, 1960 in Corning NY to Allen Groves and Shirleen Branson Groves (both pre-deceased). He was a 1978 graduate of Painted Post West High School and attended Corning Community College. He was a retired Master Furniture & Cabinetry Designer & Production Manager.

He is survived by his sons David Groves and Alex Groves (Stephanie) of Corning, NY; and Michael Groves (Gabby) of Coconut Creek, FL; and daughters Fabiola Simon (Gavi) and Shirleen Groves (Ajay) both of Delray Beach, FL. He is also survived by sisters Dorothy Binder (Rich) of Cape Coral, FL and Carol Schroeder (Frank) of Round Rock, TX. In addition, survived by his grandchildren Kylie Groves, Lana Simon and Lynxton (and Gotham) Groves. He is also survived by cousins - Kay Leach, Raymond McAdoo, Christine Tucker, Steve Buttram, Vicki Gordius, David Bruton, Barbara Conklin, Sally Lundgren, and Lynne Rickabaugh.

In addition to his parents predeceased, his brother-in-law David Mele; and his grandparents Eldridge & Erma Randall Groves and Jesse & Zella Whitten Branson; and cousins Gary Bruton, and Nancy Brosch.

In his younger years, he enjoyed motocross and snowmobile racing, with multiple injuries that never slowed him down. A cast on his foot, no reason not to race. The golf course was his happy place and he also enjoyed fishing. But his love was truly working with wood and what he could create out of a piece of wood. Corning Glass Works hired him to hand-make their bases of the Steuben lions.

John was a giving person, always willing to lend a helping hand. If a stranger needed his shirt, he would given them two. Of all the memories, the most heroic memory is the time when on a cold winter morning with temperatures in the low twenties. On his way to work, he came upon a car that had just swerved off the road and into a pond. Without thinking twice, he crawled on the ice, pulled out the driver and pulled him to shore. When interviewed, he did not want any acknowledgment for what he had done. His response, "of course I would help him." His only complaint was that he had never been so cold.

At John's final request, no memorial service will be held. The family will make plans to take his ashes to New York.

John was loved and will be remembered always through our precious memories.

The family would love to hear any John stories you may want to share - please email to dotbinder1957@gmail.com.