Martin H. Groody, 70, of Ormond Beach, FL, departed this world for yet another adventure on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017. This day is appropriate, for all who knew Marty do give thanks for knowing and loving this fine man. Born on September 30, 1947 to E. Margaret (Cunniff) and Edward M. Groody, Jr., Marty was one of six children, formerly of 329 Oak Street and 33 Lawlor Street in Waterbury, CT.
Marty was a Deputy Fire Chief of the Waterbury Fire Department (CT), where he was respected by his men and retired after 26 years of service. Many people he rescued are still walking this earth, yet know not his name. He earned a degree in Fire Engineering and Technology from Waterbury State Technical College, and served in the United States Army National Guard. Marty was a voracious reader. His library is famous to those who knew him with tomes focused on the Civil War, military history, political history and Irish history. His Irish music and instrument collections are equally impressive, having become accomplished on the fife, tin whistle, Irish flute, and button accordion. Marty loved to visit Ireland and play with the local musicians who became his friends. He recorded several of his favorite tunes at the Poulnabrone and Ancient Ring Fort, which are treasured gifts to his family.
In addition to his devoted best friend and loving wife of 28 years, Sally Ann “Sam” (Musco) Groody, he leaves to cherish his memory his twin brother, Edward M. Groody, III “Ned” and his wife Maria of Venice, FL, sister Eileen Groody Mosimann and her husband Jerry of Naples, FL and his sister Kathleen Groody Scinto and her husband Lenny of Trumbull, CT. He was predeceased by his parents E. Margaret and Edward Groody, Jr., as well as his sister Margaret Ann Bartha and her husband Dezso, and his brother Michael L. Groody, formerly of Parishville, NY. His sister-in-law Cynthia Groody currently resides in Parishville.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Jill Groody Musselman and her husband Scott of Goshen, CT; Amy Groody Clark and her husband Todd of Brooklyn, CT and their mother Susan Curulla of Litchfield, CT; and Ashley Groody Wanik and her husband Mike of Torrington, CT, as well as treasured nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
His grandchildren, his greatest joy, will cherish his memory forever: Sara Musselman of Litchfield, CT, Spencer Musselman of Goshen, CT and Hannah, Samuel and Seamus Finnegan Clark of Brooklyn, CT. His great-granddaughter Chloe Musselman never failed to bring a smile to his face.
His constant companion, his dog Irish, was by his side and kept a watchful eye over every aspect of his care. His mother-in-law, Mary Musco of Daytona Beach, was so very loved by Marty and will miss him dearly.
Marty was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son-in-law, brother, uncle, proud veteran, fellow musician and friend. “When you’ve got the music, you’ve got friends for life.” Together with friends across the country and across the ocean, Marty shared many tunes as a member of numerous fife and drum corps, including St. Joseph’s Fife and Drum Corps, Connecticut Yanks, Yalesville Seniors, Connecticut Patriots and the Ancient Mariners. He was a former member of the 2nd South Carolina String Band. Most recently, Marty was a founding member of the traditional Irish band Banished Misfortune and the Black Sheep Ceili Band, the only traditional Irish charity band in Florida, raising almost $17,000 for local charities.
Services will be held at 11am on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at the Dale Woodward Funeral Home, 167 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL. Family will receive visitors from 10-11am. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Services will also be held on January 13, 2018 at the 1st Congregational Church of Watertown, in Watertown, CT. Additional information regarding this service will be provided at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Halifax Humane Society. Condolences may be shared for the family at www.dalewoodwardfuneralhomes.com.