Brian E. Groft

Brian E. Groft, 57, of Hanover, PA, entered God's eternal care, Sunday, November 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a valiant 6 year battle with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer of the bile ducts.

Born January 7, 1964 in Hanover, PA, he was the son of James Groft and wife Connie of Hanover, PA, and the late Lois (Freeman) Groft.  Brian was the loving husband of Kathy L. (Riley) Groft with whom he shared six years of marriage.

Mr. Groft was a 1982 graduate of South Western High School.  He was a Mustang student athlete, and had many great memories of playing both football and baseball.  He followed his beloved Mustangs the rest of his life, attending many games with good friends. 

Brian was a lifelong sports fan.  He played flag football as a young man and always enjoyed golf.  He was a devoted dad and enjoyed cheering on his children at their sports activities.  He coached both Little League and Pee Wee Football and many young people in Hanover were privileged to learn valuable life lessons from Brian while playing sports.

Brian was a true blue and white Penn State Nittany Lion fan and attended many games; he most recently attended a game via helicopter with close friends.  The Baltimore Ravens were a favorite team and Brian had season tickets for many years, beginning with their inaugural season.  Brian’s loyalty to Baltimore sports also included the Orioles, whose games he attended with friends and family over the years.

Brian liked fishing and caught many crabs in the MD Bay with his dad, grandfather, his uncle and a close cousin.  He enjoyed hunting, especially with his son.  Brian appreciated music, especially attending live music events.  His particular favorites were The BeeGees and Rascal Flatts.

Brian proudly served in the US Marine Corps after high school.  During his service, he earned the Rifle Sharpshooter and the Pistol Expert Badges among others.

After his honorable discharge, Brian worked in sales, including as an Utz Route Driver, where he was salesman of the quarter twice and salesman of the year once; most recently he worked at Schmuck Lumber Co. of Hanover, PA¬¬ for 12 years as an inside salesman.   

Brian enjoyed people:  he loved talking with others and sharing stories.  He may not have remembered your name, but he’d never forget your face or your story.  He never met a social gathering or club he didn’t like.  He was a member at both the Hanover Republican Club and the Moose of McSherrystown, and he was a Life Member of the McSherrystown Home Association where he had fun playing poker. 

He was so thrilled for his daughter Allison to marry her love, Stephen in January 2018 and, recently, he was overjoyed seeing his son marry his love, Erin in October 2021.

In addition to his wife and parents, Brian is survived by his children, Brian Groft and wife Erin of Harrisburg, PA, Allison Munchel and husband Stephen of Hanover, PA, his siblings, Michael Groft and wife Sharon of New Oxford, PA, Jody Groft and companion Darrell Schaffner of New Oxford, PA, Melissa Groft and companion Johnnie Chadwick of Hanover, PA, Michelle Hoff and husband Ken of Hanover, PA, Kathy Long and husband AJ of Hanover, PA, Jennifer Long and husband Robert of Hanover, PA, and Amanda Miller and husband Brian of Hanover, PA.  He is also survived by his first wife, Jeanne Bankert Rafferty.

A memorial service to celebrate and remember Brian’s life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, November 20, 2021 at St. David’s United Church of Christ, 142 Hobart Road, Hanover, PA, with Rev. Scott A. Sager officiating.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover, PA, with the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard Burial Detail providing Military Honors.  Viewings and times to share memories with the family will be held from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA.  Please dress casual and wear your favorite Penn State/sports team attire to the viewing and funeral service to celebrate Brian’s love of sports.  For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed and can be seen at  https://youtube.com/channel/UCb4EwpWuEc-HHI2k7P4qX6Q 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Dollars for Scholars in memory of Brian Groft c/o South Western Administration Office, 225 Bowman Road, Hanover, PA 17331. 

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian E. Groft, please visit our floral store.