Larry Lee Groninger

Larry Lee Groninger, 84, died at his home in Reedsville, on April 18, 2020, in the embrace of his loving wife of 57 years, Kay F. (Wilson) Groninger after gracefully living with cancer for many years. His beloved daughter, Kelly Cole, was by his side the day before his passing. Larry was a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend. Larry deeply loved his community and his church family, both of which he energetically supported throughout his life.

His story includes: Graduating from L.H.S. class of 1954, proudly serving in the US Army, holding a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Temple University, being a Certified Gemologist, winning a National Award for Window Design and Display, teaching Art to area youth and PSU students, owning Mifflin County Printing, serving on the Lumina Center Board, volunteering for a Monthly Community Breakfast and being a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Larry was most known as an accomplished, prolific Artist. Through his celebrated artwork, he shared his innermost impressions and observations, from the serious to the whimsical. Larry humbly and masterfully approached each project with unwavering discipline and skill, from his local community work where he designed and carved the Mifflin County Seal that now stands in Mifflin County’s Historic Courthouse to becoming an Internationally acclaimed Woodcarver. Art was a daily part of Larry’s life: his quiet, beautiful obsession.

Larry’s insatiable curiosity to constantly learn and master something new led him to countless hobbies from running marathons to photography to playing guitar (well, he never quite mastered this one) to becoming a Master Gardener. An avid reader, Larry was also a lover of history, jazz music, felines, a fine scotch, and a good cigar, being in nature, raisin-filled cookies, a smart fedora, and a corny joke.

A man of reliable strength, unwavering character and deep conviction, Larry will be remembered as a humble artist, a generous human, a nurturing father, and a supportive, adoring husband. His gentle spirit lives on through his Art, his gift that will be forever cherished. Larry strove to give more to this world than he received.  He succeeded. His life force is a blessing that will be sorely missed.

Larry was born in Lewistown, PA on Feb 11, 1936, the son of the late C. Robert and Mary E. (Contner) Groninger.

In addition to his wife Kay, he is survived by: his daughter, Kelly Cole and her husband, Paul, of NYC; a brother, Thomas Groninger, of Lewisburg; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, James Groninger, of Northumberland.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at a later date. 

To honor Larry’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 428 S. Main St. Lewistown, PA 17044.

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