Obituary of J. Lester Groff

J. Lester Groff, 88, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Landisville, passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Leola, he was the son of the late D. Lester and Pearl Denlinger Groff. He was the husband of Mildred (Frank) "Millie" Groff for 63 years on March 31.

Lester most recently was a member of Mellinger Mennonite Church and former member of Landisville Mennonite Church where he was on the ministry team. As a young adult, he served with Mennonite Central Committee Pax Volunteer Service in Jordan. He also served the greater Mennonite Church as stewardship secretary for the Lancaster Conference office, served as a board member of both Mennonite Home and Friendship Community. He was also past president and treasurer of the former Rotary Club of East Petersburg.

Lester had a productive career in banking and retired as a branch manager in 2011 from PNC. Previously, he was employed by First National Bank of Landisville, Commonwealth National Bank, and Bank of Lancaster County.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, David E., husband of Teresa Shertzer Groff, of Lancaster, Jean L., wife of Stephen Good, of Lancaster, and Marcia A., wife of Anthony Ritrovato, of Greenville, SC; nine grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and four siblings, Lois, wife of Daniel Landis, Leola, Kenneth, husband of Fran Groff, of Green Valley, AZ, Joyce, wife of John Zook, Greenville, SC, and Velma Sauder of Harrisburg.

Lester was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and loved and served others well.

A memorial service will be held on Friday afternoon, June 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM at Mellinger Mennonite Church, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the church from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Private interment will be in Kraybill Mennonite Cemetery, Mount Joy. If desired, contributions may be made to the Caring Fund of Landis Homes, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543. To express a condolence with the family or to watch a livestream of the service, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.