Donald T Grota's Obituary
Donald T. Grota, age 77 of Oshkosh passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March, 31, 2016. He was known to his family as "Popsy" and to his friends as "Benny".
Don spent most of his adult life in Oshkosh and enjoyed his earlier years in Berlin with his aunt, uncle and cousins. He spoke of swimming in the quarries and swinging in the trees. His many tales of childhood adventure were entertaining to his friends and family.
After graduating from Princeton High School he enlisted in the US Navy. He was among the crew of the USS Hawkins that were deployed to Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Because of his expert marksmanship he was the front gunner and a member of the honor guard on the ship. He played softball and basketball for the US Navy team.
He continued playing these sports for many years after he was discharged and made countless friends. During this period he met and married Judy Gams Lloyd and lovingly welcomed her three children into his life. Together they had four more children.
He taught his children many important lessons in life such as the fine art of pizza making, how to play sheepshead/poker, & jarts.
He was an excellent handball player and won many individual and father/son trophies as a member of the Killshot Club.
He and his sons formed a carpet installation business and gained a reputation for excellence. After retirement he worked part-time as a driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Cynthia Louise, sister Phyllis, brother-in-law Neil, brother-in-law Richie and his mother Helen.
He is survived by his wife Judy, sister Barbara Ziemanski, sons Daniel (Connie) Lloyd, James (Sarah) Grota, John Grota, daughters Amy (Chuck) Lloyd Coletta, Kathy (John) Lloyd Sakschek, Jane (David) Butler, grandchildren Carly (Tim), Mitchell, Alex, Miranda, Collin, Matthew, Elena, Pablo, Logan, Franki, Michael, Ashlyn and great-granddaughter Isabelle.
"Is the chicken done yet?"
In lieu of flowers a Memorial has been established.
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