Gary Groves

Gary H. Groves, 81, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania passed away on August 5, 2024, at his farm surrounded by those who loved him most.

Gary was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 2, 1942. He was immediately adopted by his loving parents, Robert and Marjorie Groves and was raised in Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Lafayette High School Class of 1960. Gary then attended and graduated from Purdue University School of Agriculture in 1965 where he earned a Bachelor's in Animal Science. It was at Purdue that Gary met his wife, Bonnie Lou Shafer. They were married August 22, 1964 and would have celebrated their 60th Anniversary this month.

Gary started his career with Ralston-Purina as a District Manager in the Purina Chow Division. He later went to work for an AO Smith Harvestore dealership in Ohio. A O Smith Harvestore is what brought Gary and his family to Pennsylvania in 1977. After this; Gary did sales and management training for Sales Acceleration in Indiana. In 1988 he formed G.H.Groves & Associates where he focused on training and recruiting. Later in his career Gary was appointed State Director for USDA Rural Development during the G.W. Bush years and then again PA USDA Farm Services Agency Director during the Trump Administration. He retired from Federal Service in January 2020.

Gary along with his good friend, Don Sherwood and son, Brandon started Sherwood Groves Farm with Belgian Draft Horses in 1985. He loved breeding, raising, fitting and competing with the horses all over. One of his high points was having a Home Breed Supreme Champion at the PA Farm Show. With the addition of their grandchildren to the farm in 2011, Gary started up the 4H machine once again! He greatly enjoyed raising and showing beef and lambs with the second generation of "Groves". Reminiscent of the days with his daughter, Tracy and son, Brandon, he mentored his grandchildren as well as many other 4Hers in their livestock projects. Two of his favorite quotes to his kids and grandkids were "We aren't working this hard to come in second" and "This is NOT a spectator sport, get in there."

He most recently served as a Livestock Leader and on the Livestock Sale Committee for the Wyoming County 4H. Gary will be sorely missed this year at the Wyoming County Fair in the barn and beyond.

Gary served on the Governor's Rural Advisory Committee for PA. He was a past Director of the PA Draft Horse and Mule Association. He and Don Sherwood were instrumental in the Wyoming County Horse Pull on Labor Day for years. He was most recently on the Board of Directors for the Children's Service Center of NEPA, a cause near and dear to his heart. And, he was a faithful congregant of the Evans Falls Methodist Church on the banks of Bowman Creek.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie (Shafer) Groves; daughter, Tracy Groves Ostrowsky, Scranton; son, Brandon Groves and wife, Erin of Towanda; three grandchildren, Noah Ostrowsky, Scranton, Zoe Ostrowsky Psolka (Jake) of Tunkhannock, Addison Ostrowsky also of Scranton. He will be sorely missed by his faithful corgi Ollie. Rest easy Poppy for your work is done.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Robert Groves; brother, Gage Groves; son-in- law, Kevin Ostrowsky.

Family and friends are invited to attend Gary's Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the Tunkhannock United Methodist Church, 4 Church St., Tunkhannock, PA with Rev. Tanya Olaviany presiding.

A visitation will be held from 9:00AM until the time of service on Saturday.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Sheldon-Kukuchka Funeral Home, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.