Frederick “Fred” H. Groehl, 94, of Medway died peacefully November 14 in the Milford Care and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness. He was the husband of Veronica M. (Saniuk) Groehl for 73 years.
Born in Medway, June 9, 1916, the son f the late Otto W. and Anna (Kippenhan) Groehl, Mr. Groehl was a lifelong Medway resident.
A graduate of Medway High School, Mr. Groehl had worked for the Draper Corporation in Hopedale for over thirty-five years, retiring as a foreman of the shipping department in 1974.
He had previously worked at Buckholds Mill in West Medway, the Medway Woolen Mills and for the Town of Medway Parks Department.
Mr. Groehl was an avid gardener; he was especially fond of growing gladiolas and German bearded Irises. He had exhibited his gladiolas at regional exhibitions throughout the years and earned many Best of Show awards.
At one time he was planting over 10,000 bulbs annually to supply local florists. He was past president of both the New England Gladiolus Society and also the NORCO Gladiolus Society.
Mr. Groehl enjoyed family time, reading, playing cribbage and had been an avid sports fan of all the Boston Sports teams including the former Boston Braves.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Fred H. Groehl Jr. and his wife Emily of Mashpee, Robert E. Groehl and his wife Susan of Uxbridge, and Cynthia A. Dikun and her husband Stephen of Bellingham. He was the father of the late Shirley Brinkman.
He is also survived by his son–in-law Donald Brinkman of Medway and his sister Helen Potenza of Medway.
Mr. Groehl is also survived by his 7 grandchildren, Michael, Bethany, Matthew, Erin, Lori, Chrissy and Terri and his 8 great-grandchildren, Michaly, Kacey, Dylan, twins Jacob and Jared, Megan, Jake, and Marissa.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 17 from the Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway at 9:15 followed by a funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church at 10:00 a.m.
Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Activities Fund of Milford Care and Rehab. Center, 10 Veterans Memorial Dr., Milford, MA 01757 or St. Joseph’s Church, PO Box 557, Medway, MA 02053.