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John Groome

GROOME, John P. “Jack,” 92, died Monday, January 28, 2013.

He was born October 5, 1920, in Portage, PA, a son of the late William and Lucy Farrell Groome.

Jack was a veteran of World War II with the Army Air Corps, where he was group navigator and assistant operations officer with the 97th Bomb Group of B-17s. He flew 50 missions over Europe. Jack was awarded the Presidential Citation-Air Medal with nine bronze leaf clusters, EAME Ribbon with two stars, American Defense World War II Victory and several group commendations. After return to the U.S., he was a navigation instructor, recruiting officer and pilot trainer before retiring from active duty in 1945 as a Captain, and was in the Army Air Corps Reserve until 1957. Jack was owner of Romig Roofing Co., and was one of the original members of Ohio Valley Builders Exchange – now OVCEC – where he had served as longtime board member and president in 1976.

Jack was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church for over 60 years, the Holy Name Society, K of C Council #540 and the Golf Club.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and William; sister Mary; daughter-in-law Pamela; and grandson Evan Groome.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jewell “Pat” O’Neil Groome; four sons: Phil, Chris, Ken and Steve; 11 grandchildren: Michelle, Jennifer, Chad, Jack, Ashley, Katie, Storm, Michael, Courtney, Hannah and Joseph; five great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Stephanie, Janet, Pam and Donna Noble; and special friend Darlene.

Friends will be received on Saturday, February 2, 2013, from 1 p.m. until time of services at 5 p.m. with the Moundsville Honor Guard at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, 154 Kruger St., Elm Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, 7 13th St., Wheeling, WV 26003.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.altmeyer.com.