William H. Groene

In Loving Memory of William H. Groene
July 14, 1938 – April 21, 2025
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others."
William H. Groene, known to most as Bill, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, loyalty, resilience, sharp wit, devotion to family, and the kind of love that lives on in those fortunate enough to have known him.
Born in Manhattan, Bill carried the heart and resilience of New York throughout his life, strong, determined, and full of heart. He was a proud graduate of Flushing High School, where he played football and basketball, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for sports. Following high school, he headed off to Hofstra University for his undergraduate degree and earned his MBA from Adelphi University. He would begin a 40-year career as a government contractor, working for New York State and private firms. He valued integrity and hard work and brought those values into every role he took on.
Shortly after college, he married Rosemary Phillips, the woman who would become his lifelong partner and best friend. Together, they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, and laughter. They moved to Long Island in 1971 and raised four children-Scott, David (predeceased), Leslie, and Doug-with a foundation of care, consistency and support.
Bill found joy in both the quiet rituals of daily life and the larger adventures it brought. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, whether it was a beach day, a home project in the backyard under the sun, or time spent throwing around a frisbee with his beloved O'Neal, the family's loyal black lab from the Guide Dog Foundation. He was a fixture in his local senior club for over 15 years and continued working out, staying active, and making daily trips to the gym well into his 80s. Bill bled blue for the New York Giants, win or lose. Sunday was for football, and Bill was tuned in, analyzing plays and yelling at the TV like they could hear him. He was also a diehard Mets fan, loyal through every heartbreaking season. Later in life, he'd be tuned in to golf on Sundays, a sport he learned to love even more as his grandson Colby began playing in tournaments at the young age of five.
His Scottish heritage was another quiet but enduring source of pride; he carried it in his values and humor. He lived simply but meaningfully with humility and care, spending time
with a close-knit group of friends. His strength was found throughout his life as he faced his share of challenges, including the profound loss of his son and son-in-law and several serious health battles. But through it all, he remained fiercely resilient, never letting illness define him and with quiet strength that never faded.
His greatest joy came in being "Papa" to his four grandchildren, ranging in age from 10-28: Julia, Ryan, Colby, and Liam. He took great pride in watching them grow up, and it brought light to his later years. He was proud of Ryan's dedication to baseball and basketball, often cheering him on from the sidelines, and was a devoted audience member at Julia's school plays and musicals always eager to see her take the stage. He followed Colby's golf career with genuine excitement, traveling to tournaments and watching him on some of the biggest golf stages, including Pinehurst, NC, and Orlando, FL, marveling at his grandson's focus and talent. And he took quiet joy in Liam's sharp mind and growing passion for chess. He was fortunate to watch two of his grandchildren graduate from college and begin successful careers.
He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his children, Scott and his wife Michele, Leslie, and Doug and his wife Jamie; and his beloved grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son David and son-in-law Jonathan Baran, whose memories remained forever in his heart.
A private memorial will be held at a future date.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."