J. Harlan Groff

J. Harlan Groff, 93, a godly husband and father, formerly of Rapho Twp., went home to be with his Lord & Savior, Wednesday December 21, 2016 at Pleasant View Retirement Community where he was a resident. He was the husband of the late Ruth E. (Poff) Groff who died in 2001. Born in Rothsville, he was the son of the late Christian W. and Ella (Redcay) Groff. In his earlier years he was a self-employed farmer, but spent most of his working years in the paint dept. at Longenecker’s Hardware Store in Manheim, retiring in 2008 after 38 years of service. A man who truly loved The Lord, Harlan was a member of East Fairview Church of the Brethren, Manheim, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and on various church commissions. He was also instrumental in establishing and serving with the Wednesday night Youth Club for community children. Along with his wife he served as a Deacon for many years and 2000 they were named Deacon Emeritus for their years of dedicated service. Harlan also volunteered with the Bowery Mission and the Dauphin County Prison Ministry, and he also served with a variety of Disaster Relief projects. He enjoyed visiting the “Jersey Shore”, gardening, antiquing, and was good at “fixing almost anything”.

Surviving are two sons Glenn H. husband of Gerry Groff, Lititz, Larry E. husband of Rhonda, Manheim; a daughter Kathy R. wife of Denny Geib, Manheim; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two brothers Richard Groff, Lancaster, Russell husband of Jane Groff, Ephrata; two sisters Arlene Martin, New Holland, Mary Ann Groff, Lititz, and a loving friend Ella Mae Ibach, Lititz.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the East Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1187 Fairview Road, Manheim PA on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a public viewing at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. If desired, contributions in Harlan’s memory may be sent to East Fairview Church of the Brethren, 1187 Fairview Rd., Manheim PA 17545.