Michael J. Groves, age 89, of Milford, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2014.
He was born on March 2, 1925 in Birmingham, England to the late Arthur John and Doris Groves.
Michael served in the Fleet Air Arm (Royal British Navy) during WWII. After serving his country honorably, he emigrated to Australia in 1948.
In 1949 he met Maureen Field, who, on August 9, 1950, would become his wife for the next 64 years. On December 5, 1951, their first child Lynnette, was born. In June 1952, Michael and his family left Australia for the United States. They settled into the Shippan section of Stamford and in 1955 their son, Laurence, was born. From Shippan the family moved to the South End and in 1959 moved to Springdale where Michael and Maureen lived for the next 47 years.
In 2007 Michael and Maureen moved to Milford. Michael made friends wherever he went. Nobody didn’t like Mike! But Milford was a life-changer. There were so many new friendships forged; good neighbors were everywhere, caring people the likes of whom had not been seen in a very long time.
He never lifted a shovel full of snow, someone always had that covered. He became an active member of the Milford Senior Center and joined Mary Taylor Methodist Church and worshipped there until the day before his passing. He was happiest when doing yard work, tending to his flowers and vegetable garden. Mike was very happy in Milford. He was always the consummate gentleman, soft-spoken, even-tempered, a man of few words.
Michael worked at Comet Linen, which later became American Linen, for 37 years. He maintained a membership at the Hubbard Heights Club, where he was an avid golfer for many years, even winning a tournament or two. For a time he was a member of the Thistle Club, a gathering of English and Scots. More importantly, for over 50 years he was a member of Ivanhoe Lodge #107 AF&AM in Darien, serving as Master. He was very proud of this accomplishment.
Michael is survived by his wife Maureen, his daughter Lynnette Steeves (William), his son Laurence Groves (Dana), and Michael L. Borst, who will always remember his “Daddy Mike”. Michael also leaves his two sisters, Barbarra Best of Toronto, Canada and Sheila Allen of Sebastian, Florida, along with three nephews and three nieces. Michael will be missed by his three grandsons, Anthony Risi, Gregory Risi and Matthew Risi (Shari), and his three beloved great-grandchildren, Dominic Risi, Victoria Risi and Abigail Risi.
Calling hours for Michael will be held at Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford CT on Thursday, October 2 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at Mary Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 176 Broad Street, Milford CT on Friday, October 3 at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private.
To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.