William A. “Bill” Groves passed away at Silver Maples in Chelsea, Michigan, on Tuesday, February 22, at the age of 95. Bill was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to William T. and Eleanor (Harrington) Groves. He grew up in the Burns Park area and on the family farm in Northfield Township. He was active in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for many years, beginning as a young boy singing in the church choir.
After graduating early from Ann Arbor High School, his mother authorized his enlistment in the United States Army Air Corps. Bill served during World War II from February 1944 - October 1945. Upon his discharge, he returned to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. He was awarded his BSME from the School of Engineering in 1950.
In 1952 Bill married Elizabeth (Betty) Swift, who preceded him in death in 2015. They raised two daughters in Ann Arbor. Bill and Betty shared a variety of common interests, including history, the arts, and travel. Together they traveled to 49 states and numerous countries on five continents, often building their itineraries around their shared interests. Bill was an avid photographer and leaves behind many impressions of their life together.
During his career, Bill worked in multiple industries, was granted several patents, and held management positions in the electro-optics industry. He was a member of the American National Standards Institute and served as a Working Group Chairman in the 1980’s. Bill retired from KMS Fusion in 1990, however continued to work as a consultant in his retirement.
Volunteering was always part of Bill’s life. He was a member of the National Exchange Club (Ann Arbor club) during the years his career and family allowed. In retirement, he began volunteering on the oncology ward at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.
Moving to the Silver Maples community in Chelsea in 2002, Bill and Betty became active within not only Silver Maples, but the broader Chelsea community. At Silver Maples Bill was a member of the Maintenance Committee, the Spiritual Committee, and among the first members of the Silver Linings Fund committee. He and Betty both volunteered with the Chelsea Adult Learners Institute, and they regularly worked out at the Chelsea Wellness Center.
In recent years, until early 2020, Bill volunteered weekly at the Chelsea Hospital, both on the Medical/Surgical wards and in the Cancer Center. Additionally, he was a member of the Patient Experience Advisory Council.
Bill is survived by his two daughters, Ann Groves of Ann Arbor, MI, and Carol (Michael) Freeman of Sahuarita, AZ; a grandson, Jeffrey Freeman of Houston, TX; and several nieces and a nephew.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private burial was held.
Memorial contributions may be made to one of the following charities or a charity of the donor’s choosing: the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea; the American Cancer Society; the Silver Linings Fund at Silver Maples of Chelsea.
A celebration of life coffee will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2022 in the Bistro at Silver Maples in Chelsea. The family requests masks to be worn by attendees outside the Silver Maples community.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
