Harold E. Groft Profile Photo
1930 Harold E. Groft 2025

Harold E. Groft

August 19, 1930 — January 29, 2025

Southlake


Harold E. Groft, 94, died peacefully on January 29 at Discovery Village, Southlake, Texas.

He had been married to Joretta F. Groft for 72 years, before her passing in July, 2024. 

Born on August 19, 1930, in Lancaster, PA, Harold was the son of the late John and Edith (Fitzgerald) Groft. He graduated from McCaskey High School, Lancaster, where he participated on the wrestling and basketball teams.

A veteran of the Korean Conflict, Harold served for twelve years in the U.S. Air Force and four years in the Navy Reserve. He was proud to have worked as a mechanic on the T-33 trainer and F-86 fighter in the 39th squadron. After his honorable discharge, Harold and Joretta moved with their two young sons to Alexandria, Virginia, where he put his Air Force experience to work as a mechanic for Capitol Airlines. After Capitol merged with United Airlines, Harold and his family moved to Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii in 1966, where he had been transferred to United's Honolulu operation.

After his retirement from United, the couple made their home in Asheville, North Carolina. There they worshipped at the Fletcher Luther First Congregation Church. He and his wife supported their younger son's missionary work in Asia for over twenty-five years. In addition to their trips to Asia, they traveled the world to places such as Australia, Russia, France, London, Hong Kong, Japan, the Caribbean, and Germany, among others. Some of their favorite trips included river cruises through Alaska, Budapest, and the Fjords of Norway. Harold was always fascinated about what a small world it is; for example on a visit to Red Square, Russia, he met fellow travelers who were from his hometown of Lancaster County. At home, Harold enjoyed hitting the links, winning numerous tournaments, as well as competing in a bowling league, maintaining an impressive score. He always shared that before each match, he would sit in his car enjoying a Red Bull and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Harold is survived by two sons: Randy L. Groft, husband of Jan Groft of Lititz, Pennsylvania; and Jeffrey L. Groft, husband of Kit Chan Groft of Euless, Texas; five grandchildren: Katherine Groft; Darcy Grisin; Peace Groft, Aaron Groft and Lily Groft, as well as eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Geraldine Kaska, and was preceded in death by a brother, John C. Groft, of Lancaster, PA, as well as two sisters: Betty Dumas of Beaumont, Texas and Lori Vatter of Leola, PA.

A private family funeral service will take place at Dallas National Military Cemetery with full military honors. For those who wish to memorialize Harold, the family asks for prayers of gratitude as he joins his wife, for whom he so lovingly cared in her final days.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold E. Groft, please visit our flower store.

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