Raymond Degroodt

Services for Raymond L. DeGroodt, 82, of Willowick, will be 11:30 AM on Fri., Nov. 9, 2012 at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home, 4154 Clark Ave., Willoughby. Mr. DeGroodt passed away Mon., Nov. 5, 2012 at UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital in Claridon Township. Born December 26, 1929 in Conneautville, PA, he was a longtime Lake and Geauga County resident. He was a United States Army Veteran and a member of Village Lodge 274 Free and Accepted Masons in Burton. He was also a member of the Willowick Senior Center where he enjoyed line dancing, and he loved fishing and tinkering with cars. Mr. DeGroodt was a tool and die maker by trade, having worked for the former Fisher Body Division of General Motors in Cleveland, and later founding his own company, Raedon Machine and Tool Company in Mentor, which he operated until his retirement. Survivors are his children, Denise (Michael) Reed of Wickliffe, Keith DeGroodt of Salamanca, NY and Dale (Sandy) DeGroodt of Eastlake; grandchildren, John Vonhof, Michael Reed, Jr., Stefanie Reed, Amanda (Grant) Taylor, Jeremy DeGroodt, Yvonne Bericelli, Keith DeGroodt and Raymond DeGroodt and eight great grandchildren. He also leaves his step children and their families. His wife, Evelyn DeGroodt passed away April 2, 2012 and his grandson, Tony Boehnlein, passed away Sept. 8, 2008. His parents, Walter and Florence (Mosier) DeGroodt are also deceased. Friends may call from 6-8:30 PM Thurs., Nov. 8, and from 10-11:30 AM Fri., Nov. 9, at the funeral home. Brethren of Village Lodge 274 will conduct Masonic rites on Thurs. evening at the funeral home. The Rev. Robert A. Gaston will officiate at the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to a favorite charity.