Biography:
Alan L. DeGroft, 59, of Littlestown, died Monday, Sept 22, at the York Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Straley) DeGroft for 32 years. Born May 21, 1955 in Hanover, he was the son of JoAnn (Okul) Degroft of Hanover and the late Robert DeGroft. Alan was a ‘73 Littlestown High School graduate. He had been employed with Prime Manufacturing of Union Bridge, MD and was currently a motor coach driver for Wolf’s Bus Lines and also a bus driver for Littlestown Area School District.
In addition to his wife and mother, Alan is also survived by a daughter, Tracey A. DeGroft of Littlestown and two brothers; Michael DeGroft of Littlestown and Dale DeGroft of Mechanicsburg. He was predeceased by a brother, Tony DeGroft. Alan was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Littlestown and an active member of Littlestown Band Boosters. He was an avid train collector and the proud owner of an award-winning ‘78 maroon Monte Carlo.
Funeral Service is Friday at 10 A.M. at Little’s Funeral Home, Littlestown with the Rev. Alex Martini officiating. Viewing is Thurs 5 – 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Interment is in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hanover. Pallbearers will be Rick Roberts, Mike Clouser, Jake & Richard Wiatrak, Justin Straley and Andy Gerber. Contributions in Alan’s name may be sent to Littlestown Band Boosters, C/O Laura Kress, 127 Wheaton Dr., Littlestown, PA 17340 or American Heart/Stroke Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693. Online condolences on www.littlesfh.com.
Condolences(20)
Brian Howard
Oct 16th, 2014 10:16 pm
#20
My heartfelt sympathy to Alan's family. I too was on the 2014 US Steam Tour, as a visitor from New Zealand. I had never met Alan before, but quickly became very fond of him, a great member of Carl's team who helped make our Tour experience exceptionally good. I am so sorry for his loss.
Lesley Patricia Blundell (UK)
Oct 5th, 2014 3:40 am
#19
Sorry for late comment. I was on the Steam US trip and although I only knew Alan for a few days I found him to be a very pleasant gentleman. I spent more time in the coach when things went wrong on the trip and Alan and my self spent some hours talking and putting the world to rights as one does. We had some laughs as well.May he rest in peace.
Ron and Jill Baird
Sep 26th, 2014 6:18 am
#18
Alan will be missed by all that knew him.What a great person, I am honored to have known him.So sorry for your loss Ron & Jill
Carol "Sam" Bair
Sep 26th, 2014 1:15 am
#17
Dear Barbie, So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Carol Franz Kasper and Tom Kasper
Sep 25th, 2014 1:39 pm
#16
Last week my husband and I were on the Carl Franz (my brother) 2014 US Steam Tour just for three days of the trip, driving separately. On Friday I was seated across from Alan for our luncheon. It was the first opportunity I had to spend with him. Asked him if he was one of the bus drivers that told jokes. He answered \\\"no, don\\\'t tell jokes well.\\\" Then he proceeded to tell me a silly joke about a skunk. I burst out laughing and so did he. I am so grateful we had that time together, what fun. Our hearts go out to his family. In the short time we were together, we knew he was very special.
.
.
Phil Sanders
Sep 25th, 2014 1:27 pm
#15
Barb - So sorry to hear of your loss. Just know we are thinking of and praying for you.
Michael and Michele Magara
Sep 25th, 2014 12:57 am
#14
Our deepest sympathies to his family. you will be in our thoughts and prayers...
Michael and Jennifer Alloway
Sep 24th, 2014 7:39 pm
#13
Our deepest sympathies to Alan\\\'s family. What a shock! Your family will be in our hearts and prayers during this time of tragedy. We have many memories with Alan. I had the privilege of working with him as a bus driver and detailing the buses. There was not a day that passed that he did not have a smile on his face, and a joke to tell. We also enjoyed the time and memories we had with him a the car show that we attended together.
Bonnie Schell
Sep 24th, 2014 5:19 pm
#12
Barb and Tracey,
So sorry to hear the news of Alan.What a shock.He was a great man.Memories will get you through the rough times ahead.Thinking of you.
So sorry to hear the news of Alan.What a shock.He was a great man.Memories will get you through the rough times ahead.Thinking of you.
Denise & Jerry Stambaugh
Sep 24th, 2014 4:12 pm
#11
So sorry for your loss Barb!! We are so shocked!! Just talked to him recently and will miss his smile and laugh. God Bless!!
Sherry Rippman
Sep 24th, 2014 3:46 pm
#10
Barb and Tracey, I have so many wonderful memories of Alan through St Paul's and band boosters. He always had a smile and "words of wisdom" to share! His memory will live on through all the band kids he helps during his years in band boosters. I pray God gives you the strength to get through the next days, weeks and months and find peace. Blessings, Sherry
Janet E. McMaster
Sep 24th, 2014 1:10 pm
#9
To Barb and Family: Take comfort that you will always feel his presence and know that he is in a better place.
Willa Lau
Sep 24th, 2014 12:17 pm
#8
My heart goes out to the DeGroft family. I was lucky enough to be one of the people who had the pleasure of meeting him through his auto detailing sideline. He was a wonderful man and a pleasure to talk with. RIP Alan.
Elaine Pottorff
Sep 24th, 2014 11:00 am
#7
Barb,I'm so very sorry for your loss; our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Elaine and Ron Pottorff
Joe Boone
Sep 24th, 2014 9:24 am
#6
Dear Barb, Tracey, JoAnn and family,
We mourn the passing of a fine man who's faith shined brightly through his words and deeds. We rejoice, knowing at his journey's end, he has reached safe harbor with our Savior forever.
Love and sincerest sympathy, Joe Boone
We mourn the passing of a fine man who's faith shined brightly through his words and deeds. We rejoice, knowing at his journey's end, he has reached safe harbor with our Savior forever.
Love and sincerest sympathy, Joe Boone
Ernie & Diana Spamer
Sep 23rd, 2014 10:09 pm
#5
To Barb, Tracey and all the family and friends. What an honor it has been to know such a warm, loving and caring man as Mr. Alan. He is the Main Man who helped me learn so much about model railroading. We will truly miss him and also keep all the family in our prayers. May the gracious and loving Lord grant you peace. Our sincere and deepest sympathy be with all of you.
Peter Grimm
Sep 23rd, 2014 8:28 pm
#4
My wife, Susan, and I were lucky enough to have met Alan on his last trip. We had already made plans with him to come to our Museum in Cortland, New York. Such a wonderful man. So glad to have known him even if for a very short time.
Rose Crowl
Sep 23rd, 2014 5:48 pm
#3
Barb and Tracy
I'm so sorry for your loss, Deepest Sympathies and keeping you in our Thoughts and Prayers. I will never forget the talks, laughter and memories shared with Alan at Wolf's Bus Lines. He and I talked, laughed and enjoyed our trips together. Our last trip together was to Ohiopyle, PA, he talked so much about his Monte Carlo that he loved and enjoy. He spoke so much about you both, all good and life in general. May your memories comfort and sooth your loss. Keep those memories close and he will live on forever in your hearts, souls and minds. May God guide you through this difficult time and help ease your sorrows. Deepest Condolences, Rose Crowl
I'm so sorry for your loss, Deepest Sympathies and keeping you in our Thoughts and Prayers. I will never forget the talks, laughter and memories shared with Alan at Wolf's Bus Lines. He and I talked, laughed and enjoyed our trips together. Our last trip together was to Ohiopyle, PA, he talked so much about his Monte Carlo that he loved and enjoy. He spoke so much about you both, all good and life in general. May your memories comfort and sooth your loss. Keep those memories close and he will live on forever in your hearts, souls and minds. May God guide you through this difficult time and help ease your sorrows. Deepest Condolences, Rose Crowl
Kim Dillman
Sep 23rd, 2014 5:38 pm
#2
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Alan's family, I had the privilege of getting to know Alan while working with him at Littlestown. His charismatic personality and zest for life made him a joy to be around. Unfortunately I know all too well the shock and devastation that you are feeling right now. While the days months and yes even years that lie ahead will be difficult and almost unbearable at times with the help of family and friends you will get through it. Some will say to just take it one day at a time, the truth is it is more likely that you will have to take it one second at a time. Just know that there are many people who are thinking of you and praying for you. I will be sending prayers out for strength and healing. By the way this is an awesome picture of Alan and exactly the way I'm sure we will all be remembering him.
Kelly and Aaron young
Sep 23rd, 2014 3:03 pm
#1
Our deepest sympathy to all the family. We have many pleasant memories of times we shared on LHS Band outings with Alan. May your memories comfort and sustain you and may the prayers and condolences of all bring you peace. Sincerely Aaron and Kelly
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