It is with great sadness that the Groom family announces the passing of William L. Groom on February 9th, 2025. William Groom will be sadly missed by his seven children Billy Groom, Christine Carman, Kerren Raia, Kevin Groom, Daryel Groom-Reyes, Jimmy Groom, and Cathy Shannon. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Emily Carman, Ellie Shannon, Ashley Raia, Jimmy Raia, Dillan Raia, Kevin Groom Jr., Matthew Groom, Erin Groom, Miles Groom, Tess Groom, Tommaso Groom, Cullen Groom, Brenna Groom, and Liam Groom. William has been known for his strong-will, honesty, sense of humor, and steadfast integrity. Fathering the Brady Bunch plus one was a challenging task for any parent. Many times, Dad’ s quick wit pulled us through. He often called me Doodle Bug or if something silly happened he said, “the duck or the frog did it” we foolishly believed that quote until about ten than it did not seem so real anymore.

Dad was an outdoors man; I can recall many family trips such as our trip to Maine. Dad was in rare form after getting lost for sixteen hours for a trip which should have taken eight hours. Despite the drama, we still enjoyed that trip basking by open lakes, fishing, and sleeping in the log cabins with the mosquitoes. Most recently, we took a family trip to Lake Ticonderoga, in Lake George, we rented a majestic lakefront house which brought out the fisherman and endearing father we had always loved. Fishing, boating, sitting by the firepit reminiscing about old Baldwin shenanigans, and playing LCR and cards with dad are classic memories. My father had lived with my sister Christine (Kissy) and her husband Woody who had taken care of him for over seventeen years, until his health recently declined. Over the years she provided a special friendship and undying support in his welfare as he lived with her full-time. Caring for an elderly parent can be heartbreaking. She always held her strength with a smile and my father really appreciated her support.

Furthermore, William will be forever honored as a grade A teacher of science and health at Lynbrook Middle School. He acted as a successful football and lacrosse coach at Lynbrook Middle School, Lynbrook High School and surrounding schools. He was a center for Hofstra Universities 1959 undefeated College football team, in which he has received countless accolades. Whether duck hunting in California with Billy, watching the Superbowl with Kevin and Jimmy or hanging at Silverpoint Beach club with Kissy, Cathy, Kerren, and Daryel, Dad is always close and just a prayer away.