Larry Warren Groome

Larry, 72, of Summerfield, FL, passed away on March 31, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1953 in Petersburg, VA. He spent his entire childhood living in Matoaca, VA with his parents (Herman B. Groome and Gladys M. Groome) and his late brother Bernie Groome. He graduated from Matoaca High School in 1971 and proudly attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1975, graduating with a Bachelor's in Economics, followed by a Master's in Business Administration from Boston University. For 26 years, Larry served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery Corp rising to rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During the second phase of his active duty military career, he served in the Army Contracting Command. After he retired from the military, he worked as a Procurement Analyst for the Missile Defense Agency in Huntsville, AL before fully retiring in 2018. He built a life anchored in honesty, kindness, and in a love for America. His mom Gladys used to lovingly tell a story about how when he was about 11 years old on a Boy Scouts trip, he came home and walked in the door with his suit jacket balled up under his arm. When she saw this, she reacted how any mom would: scolding him for wrinkling up his jacket. He unwrapped his jacket and revealed a beautiful blue glass vase. It was a gift for her and he bought it with his own money. He was always thinking of others throughout his life. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Frances Groome. He has a daughter, Kristina Rigopoulos (son-in-law Mark Rigopoulos), a grandson Warren Rigopoulos (who is named after his 'Groomepa') and granddaughter, Addison Rigopoulos. He also is survived by Kristina's mother, Deborah Tang (spouse Charlie Tang), niece Gina Groome (spouse Mathew Alexander), his sister-in-law Wanda Groome, his nephew Jax Wells, and his niece Juliana Rose Alexander. He is loved by his sisters-in-law Diane Bryant (spouse Wendell Bryant) and Mary Lou Schram (spouse Doug Schram), his stepson Edward Turnmeyer (spouse Erin Turnmeyer), and their children Zoe and Jack Turnmeyer. He also leaves behind his dog Bella, who will miss their golf cart rides. He was preceded in death by his mom (above), his dad (above), his brother Ralph Bernard "Bernie" Groome, and his three uncles: Wilfred Mann, Warren Mann, and Ralph Mann "Junie" Groome. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy his family will carry forward: always keep your word, always arrive early (his famous quote: "if you're early you're on time...if you're on time, you're late"), be patriotic, enjoy Maryland blue crabs whenever possible, save your money, and appreciate the little things in life. Services will be held on April 14, 2026 at 11:30 AM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Larry Warren Groome

July 2, 1953 - March 31, 2026