Vincent Paul Groetzner
Vincent Paul Groetzner
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Vincent Groetzner Obituary
I wanted to create this page in honor of Vincent to capture and share stories that we might otherwise never hear about. I am hoping that my family will have a place to come to read about Vincent and his short but beautiful life, and in that, have a safe place to continue to heal our broken hearts.
I never imagined how much love I had to give until Vincent was born. Vincent was our first child and really tough act to follow. We had almost two years exclusively with Vincent before his little brother Dominic was born. Even at 22 months old, Vincent was thrilled about the arrival of a new baby. They were inseparable! Then when he was 5 and Dominic was 3, we welcomed Avelina to the world. He knew she was going to be a girl before we did, and when I told him the baby was a girl, he said, "I told you." Vincent cherished his little sister from the moment he laid eyes on her. Then when I asked him what he thought about the fact that we were expecting another little one, he said, "I think that's going to be a lot of work"! He was right! We welcomed Alessia into our family which was now complete, 2 boys and 2 girls, how much more perfect could it be?
Vincent was an excellent student, not at first, he was too busy being a social butterfly, but quickly became passionate about school and learning. He was on the Honor Roll all through First Grade and he loved to read. Vincent made friends very easily and naturally. He played on Team United through the Seminole Youth Soccer league since he was 3, and he would get upset because he couldn't run as fast as the other kids. I reminded him that there are different positions and not everyone is making goals, and just to do the best he could. He quickly learned that his talents were in the defensive position, where he became lovingly referred to as "The Wall" by his coaches and team mates.
Vincent started taking children's art classes at the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, and it became apparent that he was a little perfectionist comparing his work to older children's work and criticizing his work. I had to remind him that people have different talents, and I myself could barely draw a stick figure. I nudged him to go on and not to compare, but just to focus on his work and doing the best he could. I am so thankful to have his beautiful pastel drawings.
Vincent had joined the Cub Scouts and was enjoying camping trips and activities with his pack. His picture and name are etched in the Pack 16 staff forever.
I can go on and on about what a special boy Vincent was in our lives. He was a loving, sensitive son, big brother, and friend. He cared about people and had so much compassion for such a young boy. He really got it. He loved life and everything he did, he did with joy and passion. He did so much in his short life and I know in my heart that he would have done great things.
We miss you so much sweetheart, and your love & light will live on in our hearts forever.
I love you more, more, more, more ....., ~ Momma ~ xoxoxo
Born: Jun 27, 2003 in Longwood, Florida
Died: Jun 14, 2010 in Tavares, Florida
About: Cub Scouts Mount Dora Center for the Arts Seminole Youth Soccer
Obituary
GROETZNER, VINCENT PAUL age 6, passed away on June 14, 2010. He was born on June 27, 2003 in Longwood, FL to Paul M. Groetzner and Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner.
Vincent was a loving and sensitive boy, amazing son, awesome big brother and brilliant student and artist.
He is survived by his mother and father, Lisa and Paul Groetzner; maternal grandparents, Susan and Louis Avallone; paternal grandparents, Silvia and Dan Groetzner; brother and sisters, Dominic, Avelina, and Alessia; Aunt Priscilla, Uncle Michael and Aunt Kelly and Uncle Eric, cousin, Brandon; Godparents, Valerie and Robert Papes; and Nana Trish.
A children's calling hour will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Allen J. Harden Funeral Home in Mount Dora with calling hours for the public immediately following from 5 to 7 p.m. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Mount Dora, FL with Father Blase Romano as Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to "The Vincent Groetzner Memorial Arts Scholarship Fund", 17455 S.E. 83rd Cottonwood Terrace, Lady Lake, FL 32162-2807. Arrangements are by ALLEN J. HARDEN FUNERAL HOME, 1800 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757.
Phone: 352-383-8178.
(www.allenjharden.com)
In memoriam
VINCENT PAUL GROETZNER
June 27, 2003 - June 14, 2010
Amazing, loving son & awesome big brother
Your light will live on in our hearts forever.
~~~~~~~~
Please join us at a memorial service for the dedication of a park bench.
Tuesday, the 14th day of June, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
Gilbert Park - Mount Dora
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
October, 2010
Local soccer club honors fallen teammate
Team United, and even some of their opponents, gather with the Groetzners at the end of an emotional day.
By Chip Colandreo
There were few things six-year-old Vincent Groetzner loved more than playing soccer. "We called him The Wall," says Steven Smith, coach of the Seminole Youth Soccer squad, Team United, "because when he played defense, nothing could get by him." There was nothing Vincent, his family, or friends could do, however, when last July his body temperature suddenly spiked to more than 108 degrees while he was splashing in a friend´s wading pool.
Doctors still aren´t sure what happened, but it´s believed a rare hereditary affliction called malignant hyperthermia set the events in motion. Despite the frantic efforts of Vincent´s mother, Lisa Groetzner, to race him to the nearest hospital, the young boy died only minutes after the terrifying ordeal began.
Late last year, just as the initial shock and heartache were beginning to wane, Team United gathered to pay tribute to Vincent and his family. It was the culmination of months of support and love poured out by the team, and the entire Seminole Youth Soccer organization, that helped get the Groetzners through the first gut-wrenching weeks.
"The whole team was at the service, of course," Steve remembers. "We just tried to keep supporting the family any way we could. The players put patches on their jerseys, just like pro teams wear when they lose a teammate. The patch had a large, black `V´ in front of a brick wall to pay tribute to Vincent´s nickname. As we got near the end of the season, we wanted to do something else to show our love for the family."
At one of Team United´s final games at Lake Sylvan Park, the team invited Lisa and Paul Groetzner back to the soccer field for the first time since little Vincent´s tragic death for a special ceremony.
At kickoff, Team United left Vincent´s defensive position on the field vacant, their own version of a missing-man formation. After the final whistle blew, Team United and their opponent that day gathered around the Groetzners to present them with the game ball and a framed jersey featuring the commemorative patch and autographs by players, coaches, and parents.
Overwhelmed by emotion, Lisa, Paul, and Vincent´s three young siblings accepted the tributes along with countless hugs and shoulders to cry on.
"Vincent loved to play soccer," Lisa said, though the bittersweet mix of emotions left her struggling for words. "It´s really what he loved to do."
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 17, 2010
We are very sad of the passing of Vincent, so young with a promising future. Our grandsons from Mi. are close friends of the famliy, they would enjoy swimming at the pools, going to the movies and a special breakfast when they all made their own pancakes at the Ocala Park which Sue and Lou Avallone introduced us to.
As we enjoy and love the picture of the boys at the Park having fun.
We all had a great time this Easter with the egg hunt and picnic.
Our grandsons are very sad as we all are.
Thank You for sharing your family with us.
Our Deepest Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family.
Love.
Fred,Sharon, Frank, Traci, Austin, Jadon, Devin, Connor
and like a big brother Alec Starke.
~
Fred/Sharon Starke,
The Villages, Florida
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 17, 2010
I'll never forget your smile when you came into the Media center and when you would say "Ms Kelly I found the perfect book".
~
Kelly Campbell,
Leesburg, Florida
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 17, 2010
When I taught Vincent in religious education class last year in Kindergarten at St Patrick's, I had the opportunity to get to know a sweet, wonderful boy who was also so well behaved and interested in learning. We are so sad to hear of his passing and pray that God is with him and his family during this difficult time. God bless you, Vincent!
~
Shari Berens,
Mt Dora, Florida
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Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 17, 2010
Vincent was such a happy little boy. May family, friends and faith help you find strength in the days ahead.
Bettie LoCicero, Mount Dora
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 24, 2010
Dear Paul and Lisa,
Tim and I, along with our children, Bregan, Evan and Gavin are so terribly sorry to hear about the loss of Vincent. Evan and Gavin were in CCD class at St Patrick's with Vincent this year. Evan said Vincent was very funny and made him laugh in class. Gavin said he remembers making crafts, like the baby Jesus manger and he says to tell you that they will miss him. Round Lake Elementary will be missing a lovely smiling face next year. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~
Becky Wilson-Shore,
Sorrento, Florida
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
June 25, 2010
Groetzner Family,
Our daughter Hannah was in the same class as Vincent at Round Lake Elementary. When we told her about Vincent she said "Vincent was always so nice and funny!". Our family sends our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
~
Donnie, Gayle, Taylor and Hannah Rowland,
Sorrento, Florida
Lisamarie Avallone-Groetzner
June 6, 2011
May 18, 2011
The Shore family is thinking about you as June approaches. Vincent was sorely missed at the 2011 First Communion. He was in his classmates' thoughts and I know he was with them in spirit. With all our love and deepest sympathies.
Becky, Tim, Bregan, Evan and Gavin
~
Becky Wilson-Shore,
Sorrento, Florida
Joyce Marmaro
June 14, 2013
This is just so very beautiful
My eyes are full of tears or I would write more
Kimberly Folgore
June 15, 2011
Vincent. What a beautiful little boy. I had the honor of being the teacher's aid in his first grade CCD class. He was always happy and always eager to learn. He loved his faith and had a great understanding of God for his young age. I remember the time he came into the classroom and he had lost his tooth. He was excited to show everyone. My daughter had just lost her first tooth as well, and I remember that they shared their stories of losing their teeth together. We will miss him, but we will forever keep him in our hearts.
Joyce Foran
June 14, 2011
One of the last times I held you close... We had gone over to the Movie in the Park. The boys were up and down watching the movie and for a little while Vincent sat on my lap and Cuddled to watch the movie - we kept each other warm. I still remember the smell of his hair. I miss you soooo much. Tia Joyce
Cheryl Kirst
June 13, 2011
Lisa and Paul,
I have such a wonderful, happy and funny memory of Vincent. It happened last June, I forget the date exactly but it was shortly before Vincent left us. It was a Tuesday or Friday, my day off work, I decided to treat Matthew and Jacob to a day at the new water playground in Tavares. Of course, we had to invite Dominic to join Matthew, his best buddy! When we arrived at your home to pick up Dominic, the boys all wanted to wait until Vincent returned home from school so he could go. We had to wait about 15 minutes...which is a long time for little boys waiting to go to the new water playground!
Vincent arrived home and was thrilled we waited for him and rushed into the bedroom to change into his swimsuit. We rushed out the door and jumped in the car. I had packed juice and snacks for the ride over....bugles corn chips. Well....Vincent was sitting in the seat behind me and went to open his bag of bugles and it exploded and bugles flew everywhere, in the back row where Dom and Matt were, in Jake's lap next to Vincent and even in my lap while I was driving. Right away Vincent apologized, but we all laughed and laughed and laughed! It was so funny. At the water playground, after we picked up most of the bugles and threw them to the squirrels, the boys played for at least an hour, and Vincent was so good with Jacob, making sure he was included in the fun!
Vincent, you are so missed and I feel so blessed to have been a part of your short life. You have left a permanent imprint on Matt and Jake, and you will never be forgotten. We love and miss you and God Bless and keep your family.
Nicole Vallee
June 12, 2011
What can i say about such an amazing student. Vincent was not only an amazing student, but he also had an amazing heart and spirit. He was in my life for only 180 days, this is because i was his first grade teacher. Each day i would stand by my door to greet my students until the bell rang, but with Vincent i would have to wait a bit longer. Often Vincent would be the student running a bit late and him and his friend Billie would be running down the hallway to class before the final bell. I do not think he minded to much because the smile on his face was ear to ear.
The day that i heard that we lost Vincent will be ingrained in my memory forever. Of course you ask the "hows" and "whys" but my biggest question was "did he know how much i loved him." I knew that i gave him the best education and growth that a teacher could offer, but did he know the most important thing... how much i loved him.
Well that day i changed my outlook of teaching. Now not only will my students receive the best education that i can give them, but they WILL know how much i love them. So now at the end of the day, i stand by my door and tell them that i love them everyday before they leave.
Thank you Vincent for changing my life... and i love you.
John Trelford
June 8, 2011
My memory of Vincent comes across the miles to the West coast periodically as stories and photos of a loving and kind family I met in Cozumel in 1995. On my first dive vacation, seeing I was alone, they invited me to spend time with them and when the week was over I knew we'd always be friends. Fast forward... Seeing Vincent play with Dominic during my visit in 2009 reminded me of the happy days Lieschen and I enjoyed with our kids at that age. Vincent, you and your brother and sisters remind us about the important things, including the importance of not taking ourselves too seriously. Your physical absence reminds us in a powerful way of the great gift of love we have for each other. "It is no small thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us". -Charles Dickens. Vincent you did that for your family and everyone who knew you and we know you are still working through the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. The best news is that in the blink of an eye we we all be together.
Keitha Moffitt
June 5, 2011
I cannot find the words to write what I want to say. The pain of missing him is real and present but also is the joy he brought to my family! I will never forget the time I took Vincent and Caden to Lowe's and discovered Vincent was part squirrel !! I turned my head talking to Joe and the next thing I saw was Vincent up one of the ladders(needless to say only for employees ha) holding to the top of a top shelf smiling! kind-of just dangling in mid air. My heart sank and then after we got him down I thought now I have to tell Lisa! ha!!! Always full of surprises and most of all smiles. He was a best friend to Caden and we will always cherish our time with him !!!!! Caden and I talk a lot about seeing him again in Heaven and I know that to be a reality and can't wait to see his cute little grin!!
Trish L'Heureux
June 2, 2011
I will remember that day forever. I decided that it was a good day to draw the drapes and be couch vegetables and watch a movie, I think it was "Cars", and Dominic and his brother, and I picked out a vegetable to be for the afternoon. We snuggled, and enjoyed the movie, the girls were napping and it was the boys and me. Later, I worked on a notebook with Vincent, and he was more than willing to do the work. He did great, and we sat at he table and talked about his upcoming birthday,what he would like to do...
I will be forever grateful for that special time I was allowed to spend with a wonderful little boy. He will always hold a place in my heart.
oxoxox
Nana Trish
Calissa Foran
June 2, 2011
Vincent was and still is the greatest cousin ever!!! I remember that as soon as I got through the door at their house, me, my sister, Vincent and Dominic all ran to the Wii. Vincent was much better than me. When it was time to leave I was crying on the inside, I loved going to their house but I wish I could have gone more often. I love him like crazy and when I heard what happened I cried, cried and cried. I cried every night sometimes at school but I tried not to so I wouldn't have to explain to my friends why I was crying. The day after I went on the internet and typed in Vincent Groetzner sure enough there was like 70 websites all about Vincent - I read them all. I wish Vincent could be next to me now. Love you Vincent, See you in Heaven - love you cuz Calissa
Closeup of Vincent's Angel - (6/30/2010)
June 6, 2011
Vincent's Angel in the boys' bedroom req - (6/30/2010)
June 6, 2011
Ladies & Gentlemen Dance - Kindergarten - (1/2009) - Vincent & Billie Rose coming through the arch.
June 5, 2011
First Day of 1st Grade - (8/2009) - Best Buds ready for another school year together. :-)
June 5, 2011
First Day of Kindergarten - (8/2008) - Vincent was so excited to be starting Kindergarten. Although he missed his friends in Montessori and said he wanted to visit, he was very happy at Round Lake in the Dual Language Program.
June 5, 2011
Vincent's 6th Birthday - (6/27/2009)
June 5, 2011
Vincent's 6th Birthday. - (6/27/2009)
June 5, 2011
1st Grade - Spring Picture - (4/2010) - I tried to explain that the tie needs to be tucked in the vest, but Vincent insisted he wear it outside of the vest so you could see it! Sweet boy ...
June 5, 2011
1st Grade - Fall Picture - (9/2009) - Looking like such a big boy already. :-)
June 5, 2011
Vincent & Caden - Best Buds Forever - (12/2009)
June 5, 2011
Tiger Cub - (11/2009)
June 1, 2011
Vincent & Corky - (10/16/2009)
June 1, 2011
Manasota Key Vacation - (5/23/2008)
June 1, 2011
3rd Birthday Party - Thomas the Train - (6/27/2006)
June 1, 2011
Newborn Sweet Baby Vincent - (6/27/2003)
June 1, 2011
June 1, 2011
Boys Birthday at Skating - (05/2009) - Boys Birthday at Skating Rink
June 14, 2011
Happy 4th - (07/04/2009) - Groetzner Family
June 14, 2011
The Shores
June 14, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful boy and love and prayers to his lovely family.
Becky Wilson-Shore
May 18, 2011
The Shore family is thinking about you as June approaches. Vincent was sorely missed at the 2011 First Communion. He was in his classmates' thoughts and I know he was with them in spirit. With all our love and deepest sympathies.
Becky, Tim, Bregan, Evan and Gavin
May, 2009 on Family Vacation in Manasota Key
Lisa Groetzner
May 17, 2011
Donnie, Gayle, Taylor and Hannah Rowland
June 25, 2010
Groetzner Family,
Our daughter Hannah was in the same class as Vincent at Round Lake Elementary. When we told her about Vincent she said "Vincent was always so nice and funny!". Our family sends our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Becky Wilson-Shore
June 24, 2010
Dear Paul and Lisa,
Tim and I, along with our children, Bregan, Evan and Gavin are so terribly sorry to hear about the loss of Vincent. Evan and Gavin were in CCD class at St Patrick's with Vincent this year. Evan said Vincent was very funny and made him laugh in class. Gavin said he remembers making crafts, like the baby Jesus manger and he says to tell you that they will miss him. Round Lake Elementary will be missing a lovely smiling face next year. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 17, 2010
Vincent was such a happy little boy. May family, friends and faith help you find strength in the days ahead.
Bettie LoCicero, Mount Dora
Shari Berens
June 17, 2010
When I taught Vincent in religious education class last year in Kindergarten at St Patrick's, I had the opportunity to get to know a sweet, wonderful boy who was also so well behaved and interested in learning. We are so sad to hear of his passing and pray that God is with him and his family during this difficult time. God bless you, Vincent!
Kelly Campbell
June 17, 2010
I'll never forget your smile when you came into the Media center and when you would say "Ms Kelly I found the perfect book".
Fred/Sharon Starke
June 17, 2010
We are very sad of the passing of Vincent, so young with a promising future. Our grandsons from Mi. are close friends of the famliy, they would enjoy swimming at the pools, going to the movies and a special breakfast when they all made their own pancakes at the Ocala Park which Sue and Lou Avallone introduced us to.
As we enjoy and love the picture of the boys at the Park having fun.
We all had a great time this Easter with the egg hunt and picnic.
Our grandsons are very sad as we all are.
Thank You for sharing your family with us.
Our Deepest Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family.
Love.
Fred,Sharon, Frank, Traci, Austin, Jadon, Devin, Connor
and like a big brother Alec Starke.
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