Roxbury Township, Mr. Richard Kevin Groel, Sr., 73, was born September 7, 1952 and died on July 4, 2026 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. He was born in East Orange, NJ and grew up competing in Track and Field and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Rich spent his summers as a beach lifeguard at Belmar Beach. He graduated from Union High School, and was recruited to run for Fairleigh Dickenson University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. He was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He then met his beloved wife, Kim, and they moved to Succasunna, where they have lived for 46 years. As a profession, Richard was an Account Manager at Crossmark in Cranford. When Rich retired, he got certified as a referee and would umpire various sports. One of his greatest passions was coaching. He coached many sports for the Roxbury Youth Recreation program, including Football and Lacrosse, for many years. He later continued coaching with his son for his grandson’s teams, the Junior Knights Football Program and the Renegades Lacrosse Program, where the kids would call him Coach Grandpa.  He enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family.  He never missed a Clemson Football game and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in their various sports

He is survived by his wife Kim A (Kungel) Groel of 46 years, and by his children and their spouses; Rich Jr and wife Jaclyn of Rockaway, Tracey and husband Justin Eckert of Long Valley, and Scott and wife Brennan of Easley, SC.  He is survived by his siblings Tom and wife Minnie of California, Robert and wife Monica of Middlesex, and Patricia and Paul Devincentz of Flemington.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren Dennis, Cassidy, Abigael, and Landon, and many nieces and nephews.

Family & friends may pay their respects on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8  p.m. at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna, NJ (973-584-7264), for the viewing. The funeral will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11:30AM at Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home. The family will hold a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made in his name to the Roxbury Recreation Youth Football and Lacrosse Programs.

Roxbury Jr Lacrosse INC

72 Eyland Ave

Succasunna NJ 07876

Roxbury Jr Gaels Football

PO Box 619

Succasunna, NJ 07876