Robert Grocott

Salem, SC—Robert Grocott, 82, of 14 Cats Paw Court, Salem, SC, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. Robert was born on May 13, 1927 to Lester and Gertrude Grocott in Medford, MA. He graduated high school in 1944; he then joined the US Navy. He graduated Middlebury College in 1951 where he was recruited by General Electric. He started out in Lynn, MA and then moved on to Rochester, NH for a few years with his wife, Claire. He was then promoted to a position in Schenectady, NY where he stayed for 12 years. More promotions followed, and the family moved to Drexel Hill, PA, Fairfield, CT and Needham, MA. He retired from GE in 1985 after 34 years. After reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about Keowee, he and Claire fell in love with it. They built their dream house on the lake with a wonderful view. Robert was very active in Keowee Key: he was past president of the Men’s Golf 18 and 9 holes and also past president of the Blue Ridge Art Association and started the “Lucky Twenty” Lottery. He was a Back Stage Player at the Peace Center. Robert is survived by his daughter, Carol Grocott of West Union, SC; son, Thomas Grocott of Clifton Heights, PA and his son, Richard, of Anderson, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sara Grocott of Fairbanks, AK, Krystal and Ross Smith of West Union, SC, and Rick, Claire and Tommy Grocott of Clifton Heights, PA. He has a younger brother, John Grocott in NH; and two sisters, Ann Talbot of MA and Marion Giordano of SC. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Claire of 49 years; son, Robert; and sister, Nancy. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2009 from the Chapel of Davenport Funeral Home, Walhalla, SC with a reception to follow at Keowee Key Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Animal Rescue Fund, 10445 Clemson Blvd, Seneca, SC 29672; Hospice of The Foothills, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672; or to The Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445.