Edward Gerard Degroat

Edward Gerard DeGroat, formerly of Nyack, NY, and Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 12th, at the age of 84. Edward was born on October 23rd, 1936, in Oneonta NY, the son of Charles W. and Marguerite Carson Corr DeGroat.

The youngest of five children, Edward excelled in athletics at an early age. A standout two-sport athlete at St Cecilia's High School, Ed's All County achievements on the basketball court led to a full athletic scholarship to Fordham University. Under Coach Johnny Bach, Ed teamed with Fordham high scorers John Brady and Jim Cunningham on two successive trips to the NIT Tournament, reaching the quarterfinals in 1959. He was inducted into the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

After college, Ed served his country in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged on August 5th, 1962. In subsequent years, Ed met his future wife, Inger, and started a family. Success in business followed when Ed joined the Haggar Company in 1968 as a Salesman. Over 10 years, he was promoted numerous times, ultimately becoming the U.S. Eastern Sales Manager at the company.

Ed valued family, faith, and the power of education. He provided his children with the best educational opportunities to succeed in life. He sought to give his family experiences that he never had as a child of the Great Depression. You could hear him calling your name a quarter mile from the ski lift. Big Ed also enjoyed a fine cigar, a stiff drink, and endless attempts at lowering his golf handicap. He will be missed and remembered by his family and friends.

Edward was predeceased by his parents, his sister Anne Herrfurth, and his brother James DeGroat. He is survived by his children; Sean, Peter, and Kristin; former wife, Inger DeGroat; his brother Charles DeGroat; his sister Mary Jo Carlon; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation for Edward is planned for Saturday, August 7th, from 930 a.m. to 1030 a.m. A service will follow from 1030 a.m. to 11 a.m. The visitation and service will be held at the New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY (518-456-4442). All are welcome. A private burial with full Military Honors will immediately follow at Mount Cavalry Cemetery in Oneonta, NY.