Ric Groff's Obituary
Ric Habbersett Groff, 68, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Novant Medical Center in Huntersville, NC.
Ric, a proud descendent of John Morton, signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was born in Chester, PA on December 1, 1955. He grew up in Swarthmore, PA, where he attended school with the same set of classmates from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1973. Throughout his life he cherished the friendships he made during those formative years. Ric attended Western Maryland College and graduated from Washington College in Chestertown MD with a degree in political science. Upon graduation, after a brief stint selling real estate, Ric entered the airline industry. He began his career with Sunbird and then Altair Airlines, ultimately landing with American Airlines in Baltimore where his career took off. A promotion brought him to southern Connecticut and NYC where he met his wife, Linda. His work with American Airlines took them to Charleston, SC, back to Milford, CT, and ultimately to Charlotte, NC in 1996. Over the years Ric held various positions in sales, customer service and management, but he especially loved the energy and excitement of the airport environment. His quick wit and charm served him well in often thankless situations. Many of his colleagues have become lifelong friends. After a career of 33 years, Ric retired in 2016.
Ric was a devoted husband, father to his six children, and Pop-Pop to his four grandchildren. He especially enjoyed being at the beach and on the water. From his early years at his grandparents’ home on the Sassafras River in Kentmore Park in Eastern Maryland, to his years at Folly Beach in Charleston, to his most recent visits to Oak Island with his wife, children and grandchildren, Ric was always happy and at home in the sun and by the sea.
Ric was preceded in death by his mother Doris Cecelia Black Groff and his grandparents Jesse and Bertha Groff and Crosby and Nellie Mae Black. Ric shared a very close and loving relationship with Nana Nellie and visited her frequently during his years at Washington College and until her death in 1996.
Ric is survived by Linda, his wife of 39 years, and their children; Jacqueline Dargavel (Ian), Devin, Andrew, John, Zack and Matthew Groff, all of Charlotte; and his grandchildren, Charleston, Trevor, Rory and Clara Dargavel. He is also survived by his father, Richard Hansel Groff, of Charlotte, and his siblings Gary Groff (Leigh) of Hereford, AZ and Holly Groff Moore of Fellsmere, FL; also by his uncle George Groff (Lisa) of West Chester, PA, his cousin Lee Melton (Ron) of San Francisco, CA, and other cherished cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at James Funeral Home of Huntersville. The family will receive friends at 10:00am followed by a funeral service at 11:00am.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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