Richard “Dick” George Groves, 84, of Huntley, died peacefully in his home on April 3, 2023, with his family by his side.
Dick was born in Chicago on December 6, 1938, to parents Fred and Vera (nee Ludwig) Groves. He married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine “Gerry” Piscitello on October 6, 1962, at St. Benedict Parish in Chicago, and the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Dick enjoyed golfing, Dick and Gerry loved to travel and spend time with friends and family.
Dick was a firefighter for the Chicago Fire Department for 29 years, and he was a sheet metal worker for over 40 years and a proud member of Union Local 73.
He was also a veteran of the Army National Guard.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Gerry Groves, his children, Laura (Glenn) Zaroski, Holly Semtner, Michelle Groves, and Scott Groves, his grandchildren, Diane (Steve) McGrath, Sean Montividas, Richard (Annie) Semtner, Jeromy (fiancé Kayleigh) Semtner, Lucas Szulczynski, and Madison Semtner, his sister, Arlene Schmidt, her son Rick and daughter Dawn, his brother -in law Joe, and his children, and many cousins.
Visitation be Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
Memorial Service will be Friday, April 14, 2023, at 12 p.m. with a visitation the hour prior, all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dick’s name can be made to (the Chicago Fire Department) EMWQ Retirees', Widows' and Orphans' Assistance Fund https://widowsandchildren.org/
For further information please call the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772 or online condolences can be left at www.defiorefuneral.com
Please leave a video condolence by entering your name and click the "Record" button below. You can always preview your video prior to submitting it. Please note that you may receive a prompt to grant DefioreFuneral access to your camera. This is only temporary and will be solely for the duration of recording your condolence message.
One of the nicest people we ever knew. Since moving into Del Webb and N - 7 we met the Groves. Fun to be with, really fun to golf with. We will miss his whit and humor. May God rest you, dear Friend.
My Sympathies to the Groves family, Uncle Dick was a great and fun person to be around. I can still hear his laugh, R.I.P Uncle Dick, you will be missed
When pigs fly, Uncle Dick.....
Karen and I have known "Dick" and his family for 50 yrs. He was one of those individuals you gained more respect the longer you knew him, he was what you call a "class act". Rest in peace and hope to meet you again.
I will certainly miss my "uncle" Dick. I loved his laugh and always admired his positivity. Our families had so many good times together I fondly treasure. Hugs and prayers to you all. He will be greatly missed by many. ❤️
Sorry to hear about Dick Jack and all firefighters that went before him are going to have some good fire stores to talk about RIP Dick
I feel so blessed I had the opportunity to spend some time with Dick and Gerry the end of March. Dick was suffering and it broke my heart. We were able to share some great discussion. We shared some memories and what our futures would be like. We talked about dying and Dick said "we are born to die". Dick always made jokes and even in his final days. He liked to call my Dachshund Rosie a mutt, just to push my buttons. It was always hard to get upset with Dick because he would laugh, it was so annoying as Gerry would confirm. Dick and Gerry shared a union that was a true love story. Our family has shared a lot of good times and some sad times over the 60 plus years of our friendship. We did a lot of double dating in our young years. We had so much fun together. I will forever cherish Dick's wit, kindnesses and friendship. He was a hard worker and always committed to his job. Dick could be as crusty as a burnt marshmallow on the outside, but he had a heart of pure gold. Dick was an avid reader, he loved his history books and was great at sharing stories. He loved playing golf and enjoyed the outdoors. May Dick rest in peace, free from pain and frustration. My deepest condolences to Gerry and the kiddos (all the clan). I will miss you. Dick, and I promise to remain ever close to my bestie Gerry, the love of your life, even though many miles separate us. Give the angels hell, old friend. Love and Blessings, Ruthie
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Also sending you prayers
Deepest condolences to Aunty Gerry and the entire Groves family. Like Billy said, his laugh filled the room and its one I'll never forget. I have fond memories of summer trips up at their cabin in Wisconsin. You will be missed by all Uncle Dick. Love you, Mike, Julie, Jack, Luke and Kyle Piscitello
Dick was truly a prince among men. He would give you the shirt off his back and then ask if there was anything else you might need. My heart goes out to Ger and the rest of the family on the loss of such a fantastic man. He may be gone but he will always remain in our hearts.
My heart goes out to you Gerry and your entire family. You and Dick will always hold a special place in my heart. What a wonderful man he was. Our deepest condolences....
So sorry he passed to soon.
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. It was always smiles when we would see you at the shows that our sons played in their band. Good thoughts and prayers go your way.
A true friend you will be missed by us. Rest In Peace.
A true friend you will be missed by us. Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathy to Gerry and the Graves Family. Dick was one of the finest Fireman I have had the honor to work with. Dick was a great cook and I will always remember him with a big smile and a book in his hand. Rest in Peace my friend.
My deepest sympathy to Gerry and the Graves Family. Dick was one of the finest Fireman I have had the honor to work with. Dick was a great cook and I will always remember him with a big smile and a book in his hand. Rest in Peace my friend.