Obituary of Duane Groff

Mr. Duane H. Groff, 79, of Palatine Bridge, New York died Saturday, February 6, 2021 at St. Johnsville Nursing Home, following a long illness. Born on October 16, 1941 at the family farm in Stone Arabia, he was the son of Howard T. Groff and Edith N. Young Groff. He was a graduate of Fort Plain High School and was a lifelong area resident. Duane was a 3rd generation farmer on the family farm, Golden Ayre, commonly known as the Groff Farm. Mr. Groff was active in the FFA in High School, receiving the NYS Empire Farming Award. He liked bowling, camping, trap shooting, and riding snowmobiles. Duane enjoyed doing for others his entire life and seeing people smile. He always looked forward to the 2nd Saturday gatherings at the Sprakers Reformed Church, where he met many new and very supportive friends. On June 1, 1967 he married Dorothy Dygert. She preceded him in death on July 8, 2010. His brother-in-law, Noel Miller also predeceased him. Mr. Groff is survived by his sisters, Marge Miller, Lorraine and Robert Fredericks; nephew, Mike and Jill Fredericks; great-nephew, Braden Fredericks, great-niece Brynn Fredericks; son, Gregory Groff; longtime caregivers and friends, Cindy Jones and Linda McDuffee; cat, Kitty. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00AM at Fort Plain Cemetery (Section 12. Go straight in the gate at the end of Wagner Street and continue straight back. Section 12 is on the left). Although his stay was short the family wishes to thank the St. Johnsville Nursing Home for Duane’s care and the compassion they showed the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Duane H. Groff may be made to Ayres Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166 or to the Sprakers Reformed Church, PO Box 45, Sprakers, NY 12166.