Richard A. Groves, 86, Retired from Lucent

Richard A. Groves, 86, the husband of Florence “Rita” (Bilodeau) Groves, passed away June 26 in Haverhill. He was the son of the late William G. and Margaret (Chase) Groves.

Born and raised in Newburyport, he was a graduate of Newburyport High School with the class of 1950. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served his country honorably. While serving in the Navy, he had the opportunity to travel the world. Groves then attended Northeastern University and Suffolk University in Boston where he received his master’s degree in Electric Engineering and Business Management. He also attended Princeton in New Jersey. Groves was employed with Lucent Technologies for over 30 years and retired in 1987.

With his wife, he traveled across the United States numerous times. An accomplished skier, he enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and in Vail, Colo. He also enjoyed hiking in the White Mountains and in various trails near his camp. Groves had his glider pilot license and his pilot’s license. With his family, he built a camp in Conway, N.H., where he spent many weekends with family and friends. He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for the outdoors and his devotion to his family.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Lauren Knowles and her husband Raymond of Bradford, Richard A. “Skip” Groves Jr. and his wife Laurel of North Conway, N.H.; Timothy W. Groves of Bradford, his grandchildren, Steven Groves, William Phillips, Christopher Knowles, Justin Knowles, Nicole Batchelder, Timothy Groves, Ashley Groves, Jeremy Groves, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert Groves, William Groves and sister Elizabeth Kehmna.

Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Sunday, July 1 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. Funeral services will begin on Monday morning at 9 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, South Main Street, Bradford. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Salem Street, Bradford. Donations may be made in his memory to Sarah’s Place, 180 Water St., Haverhill, MA 01830.