Daniel (Danny) Lawrence Groll passed away peacefully at his home in American Falls, ID, on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at the age of 77 after a brief battle with Stage 4 lung cancer.
Danny is survived by: his two sisters, Mary Elizabeth McAlear (Lizzy) of Whiting, NJ, and Eleanor Ann King (Ellie) of Dumont, NJ; and a brother, Gerald Groll (Gerry) of Bedford, IN; along with 24 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a cousin, Kathy Wehner, who was a tremendous support to Danny. He is predeceased by his father, Henry C. Groll, his mother, Anne Duffin Groll, and a brother, Raymond A. Groll.
Danny was born on June 23, 1945, in Bronx, NY. After attending high school in Dumont, NJ, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard on July 18, 1962, where he served honorably for four years active duty and two years in the Reserve. His first tour after Boot Camp in Cape May, NJ, found him assigned to the USCGC Spencer patrolling the Atlantic Seaboard. He was then awarded a transfer to Hawaii where he was assigned to the USCGC Chautauqua and continued his service patrolling the Pacific. In June of 1964 he earned his GED from the U.S. Armed Forces Institute, Hawaii. His final tour of duty was onboard a Lightship based out of Staten Island, NY, bringing him once again back home. He truly loved America.
Danny went to college to focus on Special Education and had a great love and deep compassion for those with special needs and gifts. He received Certificates of Appreciation for his volunteer work from the Bergen County Cerebral Palsy League and the American National Red Cross – Camp Sunshine.
Danny was passionate in all he did and focused on helping others to build happy and productive lives. No job was too big or too small for him to find joy in doing it – from serving others as a waiter to working with his hands as a carpenter, at a dairy, or at a parts store. He just exuberated life in whatever it was.
Danny was best known by his friends and family for his beautiful smile and the way he made everyone laugh. He brought Cheetos and punch to every function and served as the photographer at every gathering. He was a true friend to all and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to express their immense gratitude for the love and care Danny was given by The Rob and Ruth Call Family, the Chester and Trudy Taylor Family and the entire Stephen and Betty Hunt Family.
He will be laid to rest in the Neeley Cemetery, American Falls, ID. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 30, at 10 a.m.
Thanks for reading! Read more in this week's print edition.Subscribe Today! |