Garrett W. Degroff

Garrett W. "Digger" DeGroff, 75, of Evelyn Avenue passed away at his home Tuesday morning with his loving family at his side. Born April 6, 1934, he was the son of the late Garrett S. and Katherine Young DeGroff. He was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School class of 1952 and later went on to graduate from Columbia University class of 1956. Garrett then served in the United States Army, in San Antonio Texas where he resided for eight years. Mr. DeGroff returned to Amsterdam in 1965. He way employed at General Electric Co. in Schenectady, and its successors, until March of this year. He was united in marriage to the former Anne Hoffman on September 8, 1956 in St. Ann's Church, a union lasting almost fifty three years. Garrett was a member of St. Ann's Episcopal Church, he coached Cinderella softball and Church league basketball; was an avid gardener, stamp collector, NY Yankee and Amsterdam High School Rams Football fan. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially their summer vacations in Cape Cod. Survivors include his loving wife, Anne H. DeGroff of Amsterdam; three daughters, Elizabeth A. "Betsy" Capel Joseph of Amsterdam; Karen L. Ressel Scott of Amsterdam and Allison D. Busseno of Amsterdam; one son Thomas W. DeGroff Amy of Maryland and sister-in-law Nancy Bebb and her husband Warren of South Carolina. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cara and Michael Capel; Meghan, Sean and Katherine Ressel; Jacob and Julianna Busseno; Hannah and Darren DeGroff. The Office for the Burial of the Dead will be read and Holy Eucharist will be celebrated Friday July 3rd, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Division Street, Amsterdam by the Rev. Christopher A. Smith, Rector. Interment will follow in Chuctanunda Cemetery, Minaville, NY. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Thursday July 2nd, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00P.M. at the Betz Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ann's Episcopal Church or Community Hospice of Amsterdam, both in care of the funeral home office.