John S. Groat, 76, a resident of Annapolis, MD died of heart failure on July 15, 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD.

He was born on December 07, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York, where he was raised.

Mr. Groat served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956 and retired in 1989 after 35+ years of service with National Security Agency.

He married Joan Anne Westervelt in 1953 in Long Island, NY and came to Arlington, VA that same year. In 1954, they moved to Hyattsville, MD, where they lived until 1965.

Following his retirement from the Federal Government, he and his wife, Joan, started John O'Groats Auction Services in Annapolis, MD and operated their company for over 15 years.

Mr. Groat was a sponsor for the Scottish Games in Annapolis. He was an avid boater, enjoying both sailing and power boating.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Anne Groat; one daughter, Laurie E. Cesil of Chesapeake, VA; two sons, Larry A. Groat of Brooklyn Park, MD and Shawn S. Groat of Arnold, MD; one brother, Richard A. Groat of Florida; seven grandchildren, Shannon Bailey Tucker, Brook Bailey, William Bailey IV, Lauren Bailey, John Bailey, Ian Groat and Kaylee Groat; and two great grandsons, Kaden Tucker and Keegan Tucker.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 2:00 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Gov. Ritchie Hwy in Severna Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at the American Heart Association, Memorials Processing Center, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen,VA 23058.

On line condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com