Leo McGroarty Jr., 85, passed away March 12, 2015. He was born in Wilksboro, P.A. to the late Margaret Bubrick and Leo Charles McGroarty.
Leo worked as a high voltage electrician in Code 226.12 at the Virginia Beach Site, and also earned his 50-year Service Award in February. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., Leo joined the Navy in 1946 and retired in 1966 as an aviation electrician mate. After leaving the Navy, he had the good fortune to be hired at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Shop 51 as a shipboard electrician. He later transferred to Shop 51N and became a test mechanic. This happened before his greatest desire was realized in being hired as an electrician at the NAS Oceana Public Works Department.
An active member in the community in Virginia Beach, Leo is a retired auxiliary police officer for the city and a charter member of the Creeds Volunteer Fire Department. Some of his favorite hobbies included wood working, especially carving birds and ducks.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Betty McGroarty, son Leo McGroarty and his wife Penny, daughter Aileen Sager and her husband Bob, daughter Lisa Payne and her husband Ron, daughter Melanie Whitehurst and her husband Alton, stepson Jim Gibson and his wife Angie, stepdaughter Mitzi Debar, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister Marilyn McCarthy and her husband Paul, and his sister Carol Mertz and her husband Chuck.
The family will receive friends and family Monday, March 16, 2015 from 1-2pm with a service at 2pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 929 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Dearest Betty, I am so sorry for the loss of Leo. I know this is very hard for you. Our prayers for you and your children.
Love you
Judy
I’m so sorry for you loss. Our deepest sympathy, Gina, Terry & Haileigh.
Leo was a member of the Police Association of Virginia for Several Years, He will be missed by all the Brothers and Sisters of the Association. Our condolences go out to the entire family, may he rest in peace.
Brian Hallman
Executive Director
Police Association of Virginia
Melanie & Alton,
Your father is now one of God’s Angels, may you find Comfort & Peace knowing that now he will be taking care of you and all those that loved & cared for him. He is and was, LOVED.
Melanie Im so sorry for your families loss. My prayers and love to you and all of your family!
Melanie, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. He and my dad spent a lot time together volunteering at the Fire Department. That whole generation did a lot for our small community.
Melanie, our prayers and thoughts are with you and yours at this time and we are here if you need anything, Love, Greta and Lyle
Melanie,Leo,Lisa,and Aileen,
My family sends heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. As a child, I can remember many fun visits filled with laughter, as Tippy, your mom, and my mom, were all friends. May you all find comfort and strength, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary & Elwood Waterfield and Family
Ms Melanie and Bo, may God be with you at this time. Prayers for you both.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Not really knowing Leo, we know what a fine person he was through knowing and loving his wife Betty. We are confident he is in the presence of the Lord.
Please accept my condolences. May you find comfort in the fond memories of your loved family member. The Bible also offers words of comfort during times of bereavement. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 states God will comfort us in all our trials.