Robert J. Groat

GUILDERLAND – Robert J. Groat, 67, of Guilderland, passed away on Wednesday January 23, 2008 at St. Peters Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Albany and was the son of the late John A. and Pauline Cacciola Vellano.
Bob was a graduate of Albany High School and served in the US Army. He was employed in his family's business Vellano Brothers, Inc. for over forty years. Bob was the Supervisor of the Utility Services Division at Vellano Bros., prior to his retirement. He was an avid hunter and sportsman. He enjoyed golf and skeet shooting. Bob was a former New York State Skeet shooting champion. He was a member of the Watervliet Fish &Game Club and the National Rifle Association.
He is the beloved husband of Diane Brierley Groat. Devoted father of Robert R. Groat, Amber V. (Mike) Liegeot. Raymond W. (Jackie) Brierley and David J. Brierley. He is the brother of John P. (Lorrie) Vellano and the late Raymond Groat, Gene Groat and James A. Vellano. He is the cherished grandfather of Amanda and Kalee Brierley; Vanessa and Skyler Liegeot. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be Monday morning at 10:30 at NewComer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will be Sunday from 3 to 6 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorys Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Ass'n, 3 Winners Circle, Albany NY 12205 in memory of Robert J. Groat. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerFamily.com