Henry Joseph Groll, Jr. of Jasper, Fla., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 with the love of his life by his side. The two became one on Oct. 8, 1999 and made the vow “til death do us part” and the two remained faithful to that promise they made. Groll was born in Hartford, Conn., on Sept. 27, 1945, to the late Henry Joseph (Sr.) and Victoria Grace Delinski Groll.
Groll was employed by Smurfitt Stone Paper Company until his retirement. Upon Marsha’s retirement in 2001, they moved to Jasper, where they had visited so many times before for short visits with Marsha’s parents and other relatives living in the area. Sadly, Marsha’s father, Michael J. “Mike” Scherban, passed away in January of 2000, leaving behind his wife and Marsha’s mother, Alma.
Groll’s love for Marsha was demonstrated time and again as he helped Marsha look after the needs of Alma for the next 12 years and, every minute of that time, he considered himself blessed. Blessed not only to be given the opportunity to see the love between mother and daughter but because during this same time he took on the role of caretaker for Marsha as she went through her own health crisis and he witnessed first-hand her recuperation and restoration.
Groll loved Hamilton County and it was evident in the generous gift of his time and talents often translated as “ministry.” It refers to any act of service done in genuine love for the edification of the community. His willingness to work in the community was recognized and he felt so very honored to be the first recipient of the Appreciation Award from the local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 8095. Groll volunteered for many church and civic projects over the years. Not all of his time was spent working, because he was an avid hunter and fisherman. His name was entered into the Florida Buck Registry twice and it was no secret that a turkey was never safe during the season either.
While Groll will be remembered for many things, let us remember his smile and the quote from Mother Teresa “Peace begins with a smile.” Groll is survived by his wife, Marsha Scherban Groll; his son, Joseph Groll; his daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Terry Conlon and daughter, Lisa Lallier; his two sisters, Johanne Nixon and Carol Groll; four grandchildren, Brittany Brookbanks Shine, Wayne Thomas Brookbanks, Kyle Conlon and Tory Conlon; two grandchildren, Dominic and Maverick Shine; and his sister-in-law, Maria Mendez-Scherban.
Funeral Mass was held at 11:30 on Thursday, May 26, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Jasper, with Father Anthony Basso presiding over the ceremony and leading the prayers. Arletta Kline and Cassandra Hunter provided a blessing of hymns. The family received friends at the church on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Jasper. A meal was provided for family and friends at the Jasper Woman’s Club following the committal service.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Haven Hospice in Lake City and to family and friends, especially James and Margaret Bell and Marie James for all of their help and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Groll’s memory to Haven Hospice at 6037 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL. 32055. Harry T. Reid Funeral Home of Jasper is in charge of arrangements.