Groom

Dale E. Groom, 64, of St. Petersburg, Clarion County, passed away peacefully at 9:20 a.m. Thursday at UPMC in Seneca following a courageous five-year battle with kidney cancer.

Mr. Groom was born on March 23, 1944, in Grove City. He was the son of Kenneth F. and Gladys Stowe Groom.

He was a 1962 graduate of Moniteau High School. He began working for American Hardware, later ServiStar, in August 1962. He was employed there for 36 years in the warehouse at East Butler and retired in October 1998. He was employed by the A-C Valley School District as a custodian from 2003 until July. He greatly enjoyed working at the school and being involved with the students, teachers and fellow workers.

He was of the Protestant faith.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard for 11 years.

He was an active member of the St. Petersburg Fire Co., and participated in the annual fireman's picnic.

He had belonged to the American Legion Post in Foxburg, the Blue Devils Marching Unit and the St. Petersburg Sportsman's Club.

While his daughters were in the A-C Valley Marching Band, Dale transported the band uniforms in the back of his truck to all band functions from 1986 to 1992. He faithfully attended all of his daughters' sporting events in volleyball, basketball and track.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, small engines and engine shows, antiquing and flea markets, taking drives with his wife and trying different restaurants, cooking and grilling, gardening, photography and motorcycles. His greatest love was his family. He enjoyed spending lots of time with them and was especially proud of his grandchildren, to whom he was "Pop Pop."

He was married at the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church on Oct. 8, 1966, to the former Linda Altman. She survives.

He also is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Karen and Michael Meals of Foxburg, and Dalene and Thomas Bickel of Hampstead, N.C. Three grandchildren survive, Andrea Meals and Skylar and Landry Bickel. Also surviving is a sister, Rita Patchin of Butler, and a brother, Bruce Groom of North Washington, as well as several nephews, aunts, one uncle and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Kevin Dale, and a sister, Gloria Roberts.

Dale was a very strong and quiet man who never asked for much and didn't complain. During his long illness, he remained upbeat and positive. He was always willing to help out and give encouragement. He was adored by his family and was loved and liked by so many. He will be truly missed.

<B>GROOM — </B>Friends of Dale E. Groom, who died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday at the<B> HILE FUNERAL HOME, </B>802 Grove St., St. Petersburg. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dan Myers, pastor of the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in St. Petersburg Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Petersburg Fire Co., P.O. Box 81, St. Petersburg, PA 16054 or the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 28, St. Petersburg, PA 16054.Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.