Dr. Howard Groth

Howard Raymond Groth DPM, 95, of New Britain, the husband of Eleanor (Hintz) Groth, with whom he was married 63 years, died January 5, 2012. Born in New Britain on January 4, 1917, he was the son of the late John and the late Elizabeth (Rohrdantz) Groth. He attended local schools, graduated from New Britain High School in 1936 and later earned a degree in Podiatry Medicine from the Illinois College of Podiatry and Foot Surgery in 1947. He opened his practice at 55 West Main Street in the old New Britain National Bank building and remained there for 34 years before retiring in 1981. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. Howard was a life-long, active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the church council, sang in the Church Choir, and served on many committees over the years including the Music Committee and Stewardship Committee. He was president of the New Britain Civitan Club, a member of the American Legion, a member of the Connecticut Podiatry Association, the Hartford County Podiatry Association and the National Association of Podiatrists. In addition to his wife, Howard is survived by three daughters, Gretchen Withrow and her husband David of Abingdon, Maryland, Karen Canora and her husband John of New Britain, and Ellen Materne and her husband Russell of Carlisle, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren, Maron Bolton, Eleanor and Jonathon Withrow, Jill Canora, and Caroline, Isabel, and Grace Materne; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter Kathryn Canora, an infant sister, Dorothea, a sister, Helen Porter and two brothers, Henry and John Groth. We will remember Howard for his work ethic, his quick sense of humor and practical jokes, but above all, his unfaltering love and devotion to his family. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 295 Arch St., New Britain, CT 06051. There are no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu for flowers, donations may be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, P.O. Box 706143, Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143 or St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to everyone at Arbor Rose and Jerome Home for the love and care they have given our dad. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.