In loving memory of
Robert Groth

• April 11, 1931
• -
• April 29, 2024

• Share

ROBERT EDWIN GROTH
April 11, 1931 – April 29, 2024

Robert Edwin (Bob) Groth died peacefully at his Maitland home on April 29, 2024.
He was 93 years old. Born in Chicago, he was the only child of Sylvia and Avald Groth. Bob migrated to Orlando in an F-86 Sabre after the Korean War, where he was deployed to the Strategic Air Command at what is now known as Orlando International Airport.

While stationed at the SAC base, Captain Bob’s good nature and outgoing personality led to an active social life in Orlando, where he married Peggy Jo Pounds and subsequently enrolled in the University of Florida. After graduating in 1956, they returned to Orlando, where Bob began a series of business ventures.

In 1964, he met and married Dorothy Suzanne Vacca (Suzanne) and shortly after became a successful McDonald’s franchisee and owner/operator of eight stores.

He and Suzanne raised their three children on the shores of Lake Maitland. Lovers of good company, great food, and music, the Groth family took delight in entertaining in Maitland and their home on New Smyrna Beach. Their lives were filled with a wide circle of friends, children, and an interesting assortment of pets. They could sometimes be found anchoring their boat at Islamorada, in the Florida Keys.

Bob was the patriarch of a joyous, spontaneous, and active household. They never forgot to count their blessings and seized many opportunities to share their good fortune with others.

Bob will be remembered for his love of cooking, gardening, dancing, and staying active by going to the YMCA, where he formed some very close friendships.

Bob is preceded in death by his son, Richard Patrick (Rick) Groth. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Robin Conlee Meade (Lonnie) Orlando; son, David Robert Groth, Maitland; daughter-in-law, Crystal Groth (Donald Abrams), Casselberry; daughter-in-law, Wendy Groth, and granddaughter, Sydney Groth, Winter Park; grandsons: Spencer and Maxwell Meade, Orlando; Cole and Thorin Groth; Maitland/Gainesville and Dr. Suzanne Groth Foglesong, Winter Park; mother of his children.