Clifford J. Grupe

Clifford J. Grupe, 65, of Ballston Spa passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by his loving family and his dog Peppy. He was the son of Donald and Sandra Grupe.
Clifford graduated from Galway Central School and obtained his associate's degree in Agricultural Engineering from SUNY Cobleskill. Clifford was a lifelong dairy farmer for Freedom Farms, the family farm, until the farm ceased operations in 2006. Even then, his heart and soul remained with farming life, which is probably why animals were always drawn to him. He would jump at every opportunity to do fieldwork and talk shop with other farmers. He enjoyed being part of the community that congregated at Mills Country Store throughout the years and that continued with other neighborhood gathering spots after the store closed. He especially loved hanging around the dairy barns during the various county fairs in the area, a love that started when he showed cattle in his 4-H years.
Clifford became a bus driver for Ballston Spa Central School later in life as it allowed him to continue to do farming work in the summers and break weeks. He continued to work as long as he was physically able and would have been happy if he never retired.
Clifford joined the Harmony Corners Fire Department as soon he was old enough. He took great pride in volunteering as a fireman. He served as fire chief for several years during his membership. He rarely spoke about the gruesome scenes that he encountered but he quietly grieved each one.
Clifford is survived by his father, Donald Grupe, his sister Kathleen (Rick) Chase, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Sandra Grupe and his brother Kevin Grupe.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 10am to 12pm on Saturday, December 13 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 12pm. Burial will be in Sweetman Cemetery in the Spring. The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Saratoga and especially Mitch Forshey, Lori, and Sue, for the dedicated care provided during the toughest of times. In addition, thanks go to Heidi Setzer, Cheyenne Stover, Ashley Martin, and Chrissy Stangle who provided many hours of care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harmony Corners Volunteer Fire Department or Community Hospice of Saratoga.