Obituary of Roger H. Groening

Warrensburg: Roger H. Groening, 74, of Adirondack Avenue, passed away peacefully, Friday, September 18, 2015 at Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Born March 1, 1941 in New York City, he was the son of the late Herbert and Grace (Fisher) Groening. Roger married Marcia Cameron-Richards on August 12, 1979 at Church of the Holy Cross in Warrensburg. He owned and operated Little Professors Bookstore in Saratoga and College Park, MD for many years. Roger was a Judge for the Literary Pen American Awards on three different occasions. He was also a speaker at a symposium in Chicago for Nelson Algren. Roger was a participant in a recent documentary and was an excellent conversationalist. He was an avid movie lover and had the uncanny ability to recall even the finest details encompassing all aspects of the movie industry. This same ability carried over to his love of literature. He was a voracious reader, a great movie lover; he was a true “avid indoorsman.” Besides spending time with his family, he enjoyed traveling and animals. In addition to his parents, Roger was predeceased by his best friends, Robert LaPollo and Nelson Algren. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Marcia Groening of Warrensburg; his children, Roger Groening and his wife, Ann of Minneapolis, MN; Wayne Richards and his wife, Serena of Ballston Spa; his grandchildren, Caleigh and Jacob Richards of Ballston Spa; his sister, Linda Denner and her husband, Leonard of Warrensburg; his former wife, Doris Vo-Tapek and her husband, Frank of GA; as well as two nieces. Friends may call on Roger’s family from 6 to 8 pm, Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Saturday at the Church of the Holy Cross, 3764 Main St., Warrensburg, with Rev. Thomas Pettigrew, Rector, presiding. Burial will follow in Richards Cemetery, Bakers Mills. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Church of the Holy Cross, 3764 Main St., Warrensburg; The Richards Library, 36 Elm St., Warrensburg; or to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Foundation National Office 1330 W. Peachtree St., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30309 or at www.arthritis.org. Roger’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Monn, Dr. Blood, Dr. Rawley, Dr. Bolinger, Dr. Larson, the staff at The Stanton Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre, and the staff at the CCU at Glens Falls Hospital for the wonderful care he received throughout his illness. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and dire