50-Year Hatboro Rotary Club Volunteer, Korean War Vet Remembered

HATBORO, PA —He was known to most as Jack.

For more than 50 years, John M. Groves, Jr. volunteered with the Hatboro Rotary Club. He also worked in various capacities in the Hatboro-Horsham School District. But he was most proud of his golf game, playing at age 86, according to his obituary.

John M. Groves, Jr., 92, of Blue Bell and formerly of Warrington, passed away surrounded by his family on April 24, 2023.

John, better known to all as Jack, graduated from Penn State University and attended Temple University for his master's degree in education. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War.

Upon return, Groves became a well-respected teacher, principal, and administrator with the Hatboro-Horsham School District, retiring in 1986.

Active in his community. Groves was a longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where he joyously sang bass in the choir.

He was also civic-minded, volunteering for more than 50 years with the Rotary Club of Hatboro.

As an avid golfer, Jack prided himself on his golf game. He was most proud of golfing his age at 86 and scoring a hole-in-one six different times as a member of Old York Road Country Club.

In addition to rooting for his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions, Jack was a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. He attended many games over the years and later cheered and coached loudly from the front-row seat of his couch.

Jack and his wife, Ann, loved to travel within the United States and around the world. Favorite travel destinations, often including family and friends, were Maui, Long Beach Island, Europe, and the Mediterranean.

He was the beloved husband of Ann (Porter) Groves, his wife of 71 years.

Born November 9, 1930, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Margaret (McCullough) and John M. Groves, Sr.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Dianne Petrosky (Richard) of New Oxford, Janet Kelly of Lansdale, and Dean Groves (Jane) of Chalfont; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren who all affectionately called him PopPop.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Black and grandson, Bradford Black.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation Friday, May 12, at noon at Normandy Farms Estates, 9000 Twin Silo Drive, Blue Bell, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 12:30 p.m.

Burial will be private at Forest Hills Cemetery, Huntingdon Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jack's honor to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home in Lansdale.