Dennis A. Groom

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis Arnold Brent Groom at the age of 84. He was born September 12, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan and passed away March 19, 2024 in Royal Oak surrounded by his family. He grew up the eldest of four siblings in Redford, Michigan. Although his younger sisters drove him crazy sometimes, he loved them deeply and was always there when they needed him. He attended Redford Union High School, class of 1957, where he played on the football and basketball teams and made many life-long friends. Dennis served proudly as a Corporal in the Marine Corps, working as a Navy Supply Clerk & Stock Foreman from 1958 - 1961. He was stationed in Santa Ana, California. He took great pride in his service, embodying the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi, throughout his life. Dennis received both his Bachelors of Science and Masters degree in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, he worked for 32 years as a Special Education Teacher for delinquent boys in Green Oaks at Maxey Boys Training Center in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. In 1961, Dennis met the love of his life, Barbara, on a blind date to a drive-in movie. After three years of dating, they married at Covenant Community Church in Redford on August 22, 1964, and together raised three wonderful children in a beautiful home they built in Novi, where they resided for nearly six decades. Dennis’ favorite job after retirement was being a doting grandfather - he never missed a football or soccer game, a track meet, band recital or any other event that would give him the opportunity to feel like a proud Grandpa. He always told Abby she got her brains from him and was so excited for her to pursue medical school in the future. Makena took a nod from Grandpa by choosing to attend Eastern Michigan University to pursue a nursing degree and she never ceased to amaze him with her artistic ability. He loved to watch Alex pole vault and always told him that if he could’ve done it himself, he would’ve made it to the Olympics. Alex plans to follow in his Grandpa’s footsteps by pursuing a career in education. The other loves of Dennis’ life were The Three Stooges, West Highland Terriers, golfing with friends, which he had been able to do up until a couple years ago, and bowling, which he was doing as recently as last week. Video games brought him a lot of joy and his favorite Christmas present ever was a Pac-Man arcade console that he received this past year from his children and grandchildren. And everyone knows Dennis and Barb loved nothing more than a night out at the casino - his Player’s Card is in consideration to be bronzed and displayed at the MGM Grand in Detroit. Dennis is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Barbara; children that he adored - Brent Groom, Stefanie Beck and Bryon (Andrea) Groom; grandchildren that were his absolute pride and joy - Abby, Makena and Alex Beck; and sisters that teased him until the end, Patti (Dennis) Bracken and Cheryl Hornyak. He was also the favorite Uncle to many nieces and nephews, life-long confidant to many friends and proud papa to two “Covid Cats”, Natasha and Cosmo. He was preceded in death by his parents Vera and Brent Groom, sister Linda Crowley and his beloved Westie, Sergei. Visitation will be held at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral service on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the funeral home @ 12:00 PM. In remembrance of Dennis’ life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Project Hope Animal Rescue or The American Heart Association. Interment will take place at Parkview Cemetery, Livonia.

Dennis A. Groom

September 12, 1939 - March 19, 2024