WILLIAM E. GROOMES
Age 82, Originally of Columbus OH, of Chambersburg PA, formerly of Wexford and Penn Hills, born November 18, 1932, Bill led a healthy and fulfilling life until cancer ended his life on June 27, 2015. Bill & his wife of 49 years, Josephine, who passed in 2005, made the Pittsburgh area home to them and their five children. Most notably, Bill established the ABC Fire Extinguisher Co. in 1960, and the fire protection-safety firm continues to serve customers under the strong work ethic and unwavering integrity Bill instilled in ABC. He was one of the founding fathers of PaFED, the state organization for fire equipment distributors. Always the man generous with his time and talents, Bill was politically active in Marshall Township, Wexford; and he served as the Penn Hills scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 557 for years. Bill also served his country during the Korean War in the Navy as a seaman USN-1 from ’51 to ’55. He enjoyed gardening, the blackjack tables at casinos and being with his family. He will always be remembered for his “Groomisms”, comical puns expressed by his quick wit, and for making the best homemade vegetable soup. He will be greatly missed by his surviving family: Wife since November of 2009, Shirley (Fulmer) Groomes, Son William Groomes Jr. (Lynn). Daughters Debbie Fannie, Diane Groomes and Darlene Grace Groomes (Tim). His 14 grandchildren Christopher, Brendan, Autumn, Sean, Austi, Ryan, Tiffany, Tom, Amber, Ashley, Tyler, Breanna, Easton & Holland. 12 great-grandchildren which included an especially close relationship with Gino Fannie.With the blended families, additionally 5 stepchildren and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, Sister Betty (Ted) Janssen of OH and many special nephews and nieces. Bill was preceded in death by his “Earth Angel” Jo, son Tony Groomes, three sisters and one brother.
Friends received in William F. Gross Funeral Home, Ltd. 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills WEDNESDAY ONLY 3-7 p.m. Military honors will be held at the funeral home immediately following the viewing.