Paul E. Groce, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, 94, of 680 South Kendall Avenue, passed away, Thursday, March 16, 2017, at the Bradford Manor.
Born May 16, 1922 in Shippenville, he was the son of the Eugene C. and Twila Mae (Black) Groce.
On February 6, 1944 in Asbury United Methodist Church, he married Dorothy L. (Coburn) Groce, who passed away November 3, 2006.
Mr. Groce was a 1940 graduate of Bradford High School and worked at Butter Krust Bakery from 1940 until 1942.
On September 8, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, he served in the Pacific Theatre as well as in Japan during the occupation. He was honorably discharged on March 26, 1946.
After his military service, he returned to Bradford and began working for Dresser Manufacturing until his retirement in 1982, as Production Supervisor.
He was a member of Sawyer Evangelical Church and Rew United Methodist Church, and held many offices at both churches.
He was a member of Bradford Lodge #334 F&AM and served as Worshipful Master, Treasurer and Secretary; Bradford Royal Arch Chapter 260, serving as Past High Priest and Past District Deputy; Council of Royal and Select Master Masons #43, serving as Past Thricel Ilustrius Master; Thrist Elestin King Council of Arantry Knights of PA; Trinity College Commandry #58 Knights Templar, serving as Past Eminent Commander and the Orak Grotto. He was a 32 degree Mason of the Coudersport Consistory and a member of the American Legion in Smethport. He was also an avid bowler.
He is survived by two daughters, LuAnn (Mark) Kloss, of Lewis Run and Margie (the late Doug) Wagner, of Bradford one son, Thomas (Bonnie) Groce, of Bradford; a son-in-law, Larry Trulick of Smethport, nine grandchildren, Barbra Trulick, Jeff (Michele Gomez) Trulick, Andrew (Brandy) Groce, Elizabeth (Faron) Meyer, Robert J. Kilpatrick, Justin Hancock, Alan Hancock, Jodie Wagner and Krystal (Chris Griffin) Wagner and six great grandchildren, Adam Trulick, Catarina Trulick, Trevor Gustafson, Hannah Schleicher, Blaze Schleicher and Delaney Groce.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Paula Trulick and an infant daughter.
Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 20, 2017, from 4pm to 8pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street. The Bradford Masonic Lodge will hold a Masonic Service at 7:00pm on Monday in the funeral home. Friends are invited to attend funeral services in funeral home, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 10:00am with Rev. Beth Rosler, Pastor of the Rew United Methodist Church officiating. Military Honors by members of the American Legion Post #108 and committial services will follow in McKean Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Rew United Methodist Church, The Masonic Lodge Building Fund or the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com