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Charles Henry Groth of Water Mill died on October 9 at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. He was 84.
Born May 9, 1925, he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Glendale, New York, before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Mr. Groth served for 38 years in the New York City Fire Department, retiring as Battalion Chief. Survivors said this week that he was well respected by the men who served under him.
In his retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer at Southampton Hospital for 14 years. A member of the Francis Lewis Masonic Lodge, Saint George Masonic Lodge and the Southampton Elks Lodge, he was also a member of the Steuben Association of the New York City Fire Department.
He loved fishing, survivors said, especially with his good friend “The Duke of Fluke,” and he enjoyed life to its fullest with many good friends and neighbors.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Priscilla Groth of Water Mill; a daughter, Audrey and her husband Allan Lahoff of Albany; two sons, Craig Groth and his wife Laureen of New City and Bruce and his wife Donna of Queens; a sister, Eleanore Groth Byers of Pennsylvania; and a nephew, Thomas Byers.
Known as “Pop Chief” to his grandchildren, he is also survived by five granddaughters, Ami, Katie, Jillian, Laura and Toni Ann; three grandsons, Matthew, Christopher and Robert; and a great-granddaughter, Laylah.
The family received visitors on October 11 and October 12 at the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton, where a funeral service was held on October 13. Interment with military honors followed at Long Island National Cemetery in Pinelawn.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the New York Fire Fighters Burn Center, c/o Ladder 61, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, N.Y. 10475 would be appreciated by the family.
on Oct 14, 2009