MELVIN CONRAD GROTH

Sadly, Melvin (Mel) Conrad Groth passed away suddenly Saturday,
May 18 th , 2024, at 87 years old. He was surrounded by loved ones
including his wife of 60 years and 8 days as he entered the last
inning of his life. Mel was born in Cincinnati to his parents Melvin
Sr and mother Mildred. His sister, Ruth Ann (Paul)Schweinfurth of
Cooperstown, NY preceded him in passing. His love of sports was only
surpassed by the love of his life Mary Helen (Mahon) Groth and
eventually the 3 boys they had together. Mel was a gymnast, football
player and exceptional baseball player. After graduating from Hughes
High School, he played ball on many local prep teams until his
induction into the US. Army for the first time. His occupation was
Electrical Lineman, but the Army discovered he could play baseball and
was assigned to the Ft Meade Generals, a baseball team made up of
Professional and Minor League players who had been drafted into
service and stationed at Ft. Meade. He travelled the country playing
at many other installations including the other branches of the
military.
Mel also had a civilian occupation with Cincinnati Milling
Machine Co. (Milacron). His passion grew toward machining metal into
airplane parts and after getting an associate degree in engineering
from UC, he became a full-time employee. Unfortunately, the situation
in the world worsened and Mel was recalled back into service with the
Army. He spent several days with full pack, rifle and helmet sitting
in an airport awaiting transport to Europe, during the period known as
the Berlin Crisis. Fortunately, he never left the airport and resumed
playing ball until discharged. The Pittsburgh Pirates also called and
invited him to Spring Training but the lady back home and a steady
income at the “Mill” brought him back to Cincinnati. Mel played slow
pitch softball on various men’s teams until age 50.
Mel and Mary had 3 children. David the oldest is married to Amy
and they have 2 children who adored Grandpa, Savannah and Bradley. Mel
followed Savannah as she played softball and has since graduated from
Eastern Michigan University and lives happily in Columbia SC. Mel was
always in attendance at Bradley’s baseball, football, basketball, and
lacrosse games. He was especially proud of Brad’s service with Ohio
Army National Guard and his deployment overseas. He lives in
Cincinnati and will graduate from the University of Cincinnati soon.
The middle brother Steven is a long-time employee of Lockheed Martin
in Ft. Worth Texas. He and his wife Bobbi have the “ranch” out near
Weatherford Tx. Bobbi has 2 children and 2 grandchildren who Steven
loves dearly. Jeffery was the last to be born. He currently lives in
Peachtree City with his wife Bethany. Jeff is a very successful Sales

Manager with the Henry Company and Bethany is a music teacher and an
accomplished musician. They both love Aria, the 6lb Yorkshire Terrier
who has become the Queen of their household. Besides surviving
cousins, and nieces on his side, as well as 2 sister in laws and their
families, the family is pretty small.
During the retirement years, Mel and Mary would winter in Florida
and spent many years at Pioneer Village in Ft. Myers. Although many of
the friends have passed, Ted and Ruth St.Piere and Pat and Belva
Jackson remain and were special friends of both Mel and Mary. In
Cincinnati, Mel also had many friends. Bill and Patti Caudill remained
close as both Bill and Mary worked for Kings School District. Bill as
the Superintendent and Mary has his secretary. Especially close and at
the end of the 9 th inning, was Rick Slusher who saw Mel more than
anyone as they listened to music, had an adult beverage, and swapped
golf stories on the back deck. Rick was the “first responder” to any
emergency at the house and the family is deeply appreciative of all
the efforts to help and be there for Mary in the worst circumstance.
Mel cared deeply for Veterans causes, was an avid NRA member, and
supported the Bourbon Industry. However, the first and only real love
was Mary, his wife. Both made many sacrifices in life to be sure the
kids had everything they needed but at the end, He passed with Mom
holing his hand and that is exactly the way he would have wanted it.
With way too many folks to mention, the family would like to
acknowledge and thank, The Hamilton Twps. EMS for the quick response,
Bethesda North Hospital and staff for their compassion, Rick Slusher
and Karen Ridener who were there for his last at bat, and all the
people who called, texted etc. that day and since with condolences.
Mel would have been shocked at the response. Mel requested that there
be no service. If inclined, a donation can be made to a Veterans
organization with his thought in mind.