Dewayne E. Groger

DeWayne E. Groger, 87, of Meadville, passed away peacefully, Monday, January 4, 2021, at home.

DeWayne was born at home in Conneaut Lake, on June 4, 1933, a son of the late Cecelia Groger. He was raised by his grandparents, Pete and Maude Groger of Conneaut Lake.

On January 9, 1960, DeWayne and Mary Ann Valella were the first couple to be married at the newly located St. Mary Church; she preceded him in death on June 16, 2010.

He was a member of our Lady Queen of the Americas, Conneaut Lake and also attended St. Mary of Grace, Meadville.

After many years of service, DeWayne retired from the Shipping and Receiving Department of the former PPG Industries. He had previously been employed by the former Molded Fiberglass Tray Company of Linesville. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, DeWayne entered the US Navy on the same month and day of both his wedding date and funeral mass, January 9, 1952. He served his country until his honorable discharge on December 16, 1955. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three Stars and the National Defense Service Medal. He attended Conneaut Lake Schools. A member of VFW Post #2006, DeWayne was also a member of the Conneaut Lake Historical Society, Eat and Travel Club, a social member of both Vernon Central and Station 3 in Conneaut Lake. For many years DeWayne, alongside his wife, Mary Ann, volunteered at the Meadville YMCA Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners as well as volunteering to work the roast beef dinners at Our Lady Queen of the Americas. They also extended their helping hearts to the elderly, handicapped and veterans. They lifted many spirits through Mary Ann's clown group ministry. He and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. together, sometimes visiting as many covered bridges as they could find; sometimes to Show Dog Competitions with their dog, Missy; and other times meeting up with other members of Fort Pitt Chapter of Pioneers. DeWayne possessed a passion for golf and enjoyed being a member of the Monday Senior League at Whispering Pines. He also enjoyed walking, swimming, bicycling, and in his younger years bowling.

DeWayne is survived by four sisters Nancy Jones (Jim), Shirley DiFillipo, both of Pittsburgh, Betty Summerfield of Philippi, WV, Audrey Deusanio of Pittsburgh; a brother in law Vito Valella of Michigan; several nieces and nephews including Michelle Valella, Lisa Hostetler (Karry), Deborah Smith (Dave), Patti Valella, Chrissy Walker (Kevin); several grand nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

In addition to his wife Mary Ann, of 50 years, DeWayne was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Cecilia and Jack Clark.

Family and friends are invited to call from 3-5 PM on Friday, January 8, 2021, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE. CDC guidelines will be followed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM, Saturday, January 9, at St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville, with Fr. Jeffrey Lucas, Pastor, officiating. Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006 will follow.

To honor DeWayne's wishes, casual dress is welcome and blue jeans are preferred.

For those not able to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed via Facebook Live at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc.

DeWayne will be laid to rest next to his wife, Mary Ann, in St. Brigid Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meadville Wolves Club, PO Box 276 or St. Mary of Grace RC Church, C/O Catholic Community of Meadville, 353 Pine Street, both in Meadville, PA 16335.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com