Obituary for Robert P. de Groot
Robert P. de Groot of Revere, PA., aka “Bob,” to his cherished wife and his amazing and eclectic friends; Brother, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Bob; that unyielding Eagles fan, and so much to so many...passed away on Thursday, March 4th, 2021, surrounded by his family, at St. Luke’s in Bethlehem, PA.
Bob was the husband of Christine (Scarff) de Groot. The couple married on June 21st of 1976, and dedicated their lives to their sons, Robert James and Cornelius Scarff de Groot, as well as to their growing family, and their beloved community, the village of Revere, Pennsylvania.
Born in Queens, NY, on November 29th, 1943, Bob was the son of the late Cornelius and Helena (Slovacek) de Groot. He lived a life of service to others, even if it were only for a kind word, a lunch box, or a cup of coffee. He had the resume of a person who lived by what he valued and respected, and most importantly, loved.
After graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1962, Bob attended the Ben Franklin College in Washington, D.C. and later joined the Navy. Afterwards, he returned to Revere, and took up working with his dad, Cornelius, at the Revere General Store, determined to find his path. During these times, Bob continued to grow the business at the General Store, and eventually bought the store from his parents.
Bob was the owner/operator of the Revere General Store for many years. He also worked at Fred Bean’s Dodge/Subaru in Doylestown for a period of time. In addition to work and family life, Bob committed many years (16) and multiple terms to the Palisades School Board. And through all of his 77 years, Bob’s number one hobby was collecting, which he happily did for all of his family. He collected Eagles stuff for the boys (his sons); spoiled the grand kids (and customers’ kids) with candy and eclectic toys and gadgets; and quietly spoiled the cats with Chris’s help.
In true “Bob” fashion, he persevered, and never let an opportunity pass to know his customers’ needs and make sure he stocked for any request. He enjoyed working side by side with his wife, Chris, and just a staircase away from his baby sister Lil. He was visited daily by friends and loyal patrons that he loved and appreciated. He also enjoyed the visits from his sons and their families, Bob always worked the hardest to show how much he loved and appreciated those closest to him. He forged bonds that lasted all of his life, and will continue well beyond.
Bob loved, and was loved; he worked hard, and counted his blessings; he respected and was respected.
In addition to his wife Christine, Bob is survived by his sons Robert J. (Cheney), and Cornelius S. (Krissy) de Groot. He was also survived by his grandchildren Kyle Martin, Isabella, Cornelius, and Francis de Groot. Bob was the brother of Lillian Crum, Charlotte de Groot, and Cory Whitehead, and the late Richard de Groot. Bob’s family will receive friends on Thursday March 18, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Shelly Funeral Home, Easton & Keller’s Church Roads, Plumsteadville. Service and interment will be held privately. To ensure Covid -19 protocol masks and social distancing will be required. It will be expected that you exit the Funeral Home once you have offered condolences to the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be sent to the Ottsville Fire Company PO Box 26 Ottsville, PA 18942, Palisades EMS 2330 Township Road Quakertown, Pennsylvania, 18951, or the Lords Pantry 4050 Durham Road Ottsville, PA 18942
Bob was the husband of Christine (Scarff) de Groot. The couple married on June 21st of 1976, and dedicated their lives to their sons, Robert James and Cornelius Scarff de Groot, as well as to their growing family, and their beloved community, the village of Revere, Pennsylvania.
Born in Queens, NY, on November 29th, 1943, Bob was the son of the late Cornelius and Helena (Slovacek) de Groot. He lived a life of service to others, even if it were only for a kind word, a lunch box, or a cup of coffee. He had the resume of a person who lived by what he valued and respected, and most importantly, loved.
After graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1962, Bob attended the Ben Franklin College in Washington, D.C. and later joined the Navy. Afterwards, he returned to Revere, and took up working with his dad, Cornelius, at the Revere General Store, determined to find his path. During these times, Bob continued to grow the business at the General Store, and eventually bought the store from his parents.
Bob was the owner/operator of the Revere General Store for many years. He also worked at Fred Bean’s Dodge/Subaru in Doylestown for a period of time. In addition to work and family life, Bob committed many years (16) and multiple terms to the Palisades School Board. And through all of his 77 years, Bob’s number one hobby was collecting, which he happily did for all of his family. He collected Eagles stuff for the boys (his sons); spoiled the grand kids (and customers’ kids) with candy and eclectic toys and gadgets; and quietly spoiled the cats with Chris’s help.
In true “Bob” fashion, he persevered, and never let an opportunity pass to know his customers’ needs and make sure he stocked for any request. He enjoyed working side by side with his wife, Chris, and just a staircase away from his baby sister Lil. He was visited daily by friends and loyal patrons that he loved and appreciated. He also enjoyed the visits from his sons and their families, Bob always worked the hardest to show how much he loved and appreciated those closest to him. He forged bonds that lasted all of his life, and will continue well beyond.
Bob loved, and was loved; he worked hard, and counted his blessings; he respected and was respected.
In addition to his wife Christine, Bob is survived by his sons Robert J. (Cheney), and Cornelius S. (Krissy) de Groot. He was also survived by his grandchildren Kyle Martin, Isabella, Cornelius, and Francis de Groot. Bob was the brother of Lillian Crum, Charlotte de Groot, and Cory Whitehead, and the late Richard de Groot. Bob’s family will receive friends on Thursday March 18, 2021 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at the Shelly Funeral Home, Easton & Keller’s Church Roads, Plumsteadville. Service and interment will be held privately. To ensure Covid -19 protocol masks and social distancing will be required. It will be expected that you exit the Funeral Home once you have offered condolences to the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be sent to the Ottsville Fire Company PO Box 26 Ottsville, PA 18942, Palisades EMS 2330 Township Road Quakertown, Pennsylvania, 18951, or the Lords Pantry 4050 Durham Road Ottsville, PA 18942