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David J. Groves, 84, of Allentown, Pennsylvania transitioned from Labor to Reward on April 22, 2022 in Lehigh Valley Health Network-Cedar Crest Campus.
David was born in Washington, New Jersey on December 25, 19 I forgot. The youngest of 7 children born to the late Alexander J. and Evangeline (Titus) Groves.
After graduating from Washington High school, he worked at the Washington Woodcraft briefly. He then moved to Allentown, PA in March of 1957, prior to his marriage to Irene R. (Rone) Groves, which took place on June 1, 1957. They are the proud parents of 3 children, Deborah Marie, married to Clarence Watson, Deidre Irene and David James II, married to Linda Kay and 2 grandchildren David James III, Angelica Anne-Marie Padilla married to Jonathan and 5 great grands David IV, Chad & Sadie Fluck, Olivia and Julian Padilla. David is also the proud parent to Angela Adams, Viola Adams, Jerome Callaway, Courtney Kondravy married to Jason, Mark Taylor married to Dawn. With a grand total of 14 Grandchildren and 15.5 Great Grand Children.
David touched the lives of many young men and women lives like Doris Meitzler, Bruce Cody, Nathaniel Law II and Natalie Law to say a few.
David worked briefly for General Electric, Co. And McCrory Stores, before he started his own business, Dave Groves Maintenance, August 1, 1959.
He has held many civic posts Served on the boards of the Volunteers of America Day Care, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Abuse of which he served as chairman. One of the founders of the Negro Cultural Association and Negro Cultural Center. The first Black member of the Allentown Jaycees, first Black member of the Young Republicans. A member of the Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce. First Black to run for Allentown City Council. Bro. Groves changed his party and is now a Democratic that voted for President Obama
Member of St James African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and was active on the Steward Board, PAL Transition Team, sang with Male Choir, and is the Chairman of the Trustees. In his earlier years he was a member of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, of Washington, New Jersey, and sang on the Choir. President, Secretary, Treasurer, of the PAR Club of the World.
Elkdom has a special place in David’s heart, having joined Bethal Lodge No. 1284, on December 18, 1966, the last of 9 candidates to be initiated. Having held the positions of Exalted Ruler, Esteemed Leading Knight, Treasurer, Trustee, Esteemed Lecturing Knight, and Financial Secretary. He was a District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Chief Antler of Past Exalted Rulers Council No. 7 of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, The First Vice President, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary, of the Pennsylvania State Association, Brother Groves was elected as a Grand Lodge Auditor, and appointed as Grand Lodge Master of Social Session, and is a Grand Lodge Trustee, serving as Chairman of the Trustees, Assistant to the Grand Exalted Ruler, also a Past Grand Exalted Ruler, in Atlanta, Georgia August 2, 2004 Bro. Groves received the C.L. & Blanche Smith Image Award at the 105th Grand Lodge Convention.
Brother, Groves is a 2nd generation Elk, his Father, was a Financial Secretary of his Lodge and Mother was the Daughter Ruler of the Temple and all of his children are Elks, something to be proud of. Brother Groves has played Santa Claus to children in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Pottstown, and Reading, Pennsylvania for over 50 years.
He leaves to cherish his memories, His beloved wife Irene and their combined children and grandchildren and Great Grand Children his sisters Alice Thompson of Washington, NJ, Evelyn Jones of Easton, PA, Sister in Law, Sherrel Enix of Alexandria, VA, Sister in Law, Dorothy Groves of Washington, NJ. A large host of devoted Nieces and Nephews and Friends.
David is proceeded in death by Brother Alexander S. Groves, Sisters Mary Thompson, Evangeline (Cookie) Swint, Joyce Dorsey, Brother in law Sylvester E. Rone, Jr., Sister in law, Brenda M. Law and 3 Grandsons Adrian M. Watson, Clarence M. Watson II and Brandon M. Watson.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Funeral Services will take place on Friday at 11AM in St. James AME Zion Church 410 W. Union Street, Allentown, PA. A public viewing will be held from 9AM-10:30AM in the church with an Elk service to begin at 10:30AM. Interment will follow services in Grandview Cemetery-Allentown.
Funeral Services will be livestreamed courtesy of Restoration Temple. Please visit www.facebook.com/RTLVchurch to view.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David J. Groves, please visit our floral store.