Our loved father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Robert Anthony Degroot, passed away on October 10, 2021. He was born in Bathe, New York on August 18, 1935 to Catherine Bertin DeGroot and Anthony DeGroot. Bob married and had two daughters, Cindy B. King (Scott) and Brenda S. Shirah (Tony); one granddaughter, Lydia M. DeGroot (Jade); one great grandson, Sebastian Drake DeGroot; step grandchildren, Megan and Logan Shirah.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Catherine Bettin Degroot; father, Anthony DeGroot and his brother James DeGroot.
He was a great photographer and made an amazing contribution to the State of Florida on the study of the Florida Caverns, located in the city of Marianna, which he worked most of his life doing tours and gathering history of the area.
He obtained several degrees in his life time and was able to memorize a book on a single setting. He had a Master's in Physics, History, Math, Theology, Criminology and Photography. Later in life, he started investing in houses as well as becoming owner and manager at The Florida Caverns Gift Shop with his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Tony Shirah.
The family would like to thank the caregivers that helped Brenda, his daughter, take care of him with loving support and all the people who came to his aid.
Funeral services for Robert "Bob" Anthony DeGroot will be 9 AM Friday, October 15, 2021 at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Marianna, Florida, with Father Phil officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Sunny Hills under the direction of James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel of Marianna, Florida.
Family will receive friends Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 5-7 PM at James & Sikes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St Anne’s Church or St Jude's Children Hospital.
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