Obituary of Robert James Groya

Robert James Groya Sr. "Bob", loving dad and grandpa, transitioned to eternal rest in his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on March 31, 2020. He was 91 years old. Bob was born in Bay City, Michigan on May 2, 1928. The youngest of 5 children, he was preceded in death by his parents, John V. and Agnes Groya; siblings, Ambrose "Potts" Groya, Agatha Pusczykowski, John "Corky" Groya and Evelyn Nowak; and his wife Sharron (LaLonde) Groya. As a young man Bob followed his passion for big band jazz to become a musician, first playing tuba in the Bay City Central Marching Band then playing drums or bass in local bands beginning at the age of 15. In 1945, at the age of 17, he joined the US Army where he served 4 years as part of the Signal Corps, and entertained troops and civilians playing in bands while stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. After discharging from the Army he toured the States from Coast to Coast, playing in bands such as The Don Mormon Trio and The Lionel Hampton Band. In 1953 he moved to Hawaii, where he continued playing music and began working in local television stations setting props, lighting and working the cameras. In 1960 he moved to Las Vegas where he continued working in television and joined the musician's union, where he played with various bands in clubs on the newly emerging Vegas Strip. In 1964 Bob returned to Bay City where he began his 32 year career at WNEM TV5 as a film editor/cameraman, and met the love of his life, Sharron LaLonde. They married on August 20, 1966 and remained in Bay City to raise their 3 children, Tim, Cindy and Bob. He continued playing the drums in local bands, until he retired from music at 56 years old. Bob was a member of St. Hyacinth, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, and after retiring, enjoyed bowling in local senior leagues. His wife, Sharron, lost her battle with lung cancer in 2003, and in 2007 he moved to Essexville with his daughter, where he enjoyed napping with Ozzy the cat and spending time watching his grandkids and great grandkids play and grow. His worldly adventure stories and groan-worthy dad jokes will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. Robert is survived by his children, Timothy Groya and his wife Deborah of Horn Lake, MS; Cynthia (Thomas P) Charters of Essexville, MI and Robert Groya II and his wife Joy of Charlotte, NC; grand daughters Lacey Quintel (Brandon Smith) and Haley Charters; step-grandchildren, Chloe Ballard and great grandson Elijah, Alex Vasano, Lauren Vasano and great grandson Bentley; and great grandsons Logan Quintel and Ryker Smith, and Ozzy the cat. Due to the current pandemic, cremation has taken place and Robert's ashes will be placed in the columbarium next to Sharron's at St. Patrick Cemetery. A memorial service will be planned when social distancing standards are lifted, family and friends will be notified on social media. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan