Richard A. Groat

Richard A. Groat, 68, of Powell, Ohio, ended his journey battling Alzheimer’s on Friday, January 15, 2010 at Kobacker House in Columbus. Richard was born in 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Theodore A. and LaVerne F. Groat. He is preceded in death by his father. Richard leaves behind many friends and a loving family including his wife of nearly 34 years, Gloria R. Groat; daughters Julie Carstensen, of Annapolis, Maryland and Kimberlie Clements, of Franklin, Tennessee; and three granddaughters: Isabella, Kate and Kelsie. Richard graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Communication and Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a Masters of Business Management degree. He began his career at WOOD radio in Grand Rapids, MI in sales then to WOTV, Grand Rapids, MI in sales for 23 years. He moved to Columbus in 1987 and was local manager at WCMH-TV until 1997. Richard was active in national advertising associations and community organizations, United Way and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He enjoyed many styles of music, reading, writing short stories, skiing with family and friends, sailing on the Great Lakes, cooking, he obtained a private pilot’s license, enjoyed traveling with his wife, and loved his dogs. A service celebrating Richard’s life will be held 12:00 Noon SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2010 at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy St., Powell, Ohio 43065 (614)-792-1471 where family will receive friends before the service beginning at 11:00am. Casual dress is requested. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 ¼ mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Private family interment services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, St. Claire, MI. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staffs of Wesley Glen Special Care Unit, Forest Hills Alzheimer’s Center, Gail Greenley RN, Dr. Douglas Scharre and his staff, HomeReach Hospice and the staff at Kobacker House, and his many loving and caring friends. The omission of flowers is requested and the family asks that friends consider memorial contributions to: Alzheimer’s Association, Central Ohio Chapter, 3320 Tremont Rd., Columbus, OH 43221; Kobacker House/HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43214; or the Humane Society of Delaware County, 4920 State Route 37-East, Delaware, OH 43015, in Richard’s memory. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at:www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com

Richard A. Groat

January 24, 2010