Gilbert “Giby” Groomer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and founder of Groomer’s Seafood, passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 85. A man of generosity, strength, and unwavering principles, Gilbert leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the successful business he built - it lives on in his family, in the people he helped, and in the countless lives he quietly impacted.
Born in Port Isabel, Texas, on May 11, 1940, Gilbert was raised by his mother after the death of his father when he was just eight years old. Alongside his older brother, he learned early the value of hard work, perseverance, and the deep bonds of family. That foundation shaped everything he did. To Gilbert, family was everything.
He began his career as a commercial fisherman on the Texas coast, working tirelessly to support his growing family. In the late 1970s, during a time of economic hardship, Gilbert and his wife made the bold decision to relocate their family to San Antonio. There, he turned his passion for seafood and his entrepreneurial spirit into what would become Groomer’s Seafood - a business built not just on fresh product, but on integrity, trust, and relationships.
But Gilbert’s greatest pride was never the business itself - it was how he used it to lift others up. If you needed a job, he’d give you one. If you didn’t have a ride to work, he’d pick you up. He believed everyone deserved a chance, and he gave that chance freely, never expecting anything in return. His kindness was immense, but he was no pushover - he stood his ground and didn’t hesitate to defend those he loved.
He taught his sons everything he knew, and when his grandchildren came along, he taught them too. He showed them how to fish, swim, ride a bike, tie knots - life lessons passed down with quiet patience and a strong hand. He never missed a single sports game, recital, or school event for his kids or grandkids. No matter how busy the business was, if someone in the family had a game, Gilbert was there - cheering from the sidelines, beaming with pride.
If you called and needed help, he would drop whatever he was doing and show up. That’s just who he was. Whether it was a flat tire, a forgotten lunch, or a bad day - he showed up, and he did it without hesitation or complaint.
He was known throughout the community not only as a savvy businessman, but as a man who treated everyone with dignity and respect. His door was always open, his advice always thoughtful, and his presence always steady. He made people feel welcome, safe, and seen.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Hortensia (Perez) Groomer and George O. Groomer; brother, George Olan Groomer; children, Gilbert Groomer Jr., Rebecca Dawn Groomer, and Troy Dana Groomer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Susie Groomer; his children, Rick Groomer and wife Martha, Michael Groomer and wife Brenda and Russell Groomer; grandchildren, Ryan Groomer and wife Jackie, Kelsey Derousseau and husband Taylor, Blake Groomer and wife Kasi, Leslie Real and husband Marcus, Francesca Groomer, Kai Groomer, Rashell Groomer Simmons and husband Barrett, and Leaven Groomer and husband Ray; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, numerous extended family members, and a wide circle of friends and employees who became like family.
A celebration of Gilbert’s life will be held on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Chapel in San Antonio, Texas, located at 18911 Redland Rd, San Antonio, TX 78259. Those unable to attend the service are invited to view the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/live/N_HAoKHvmwc?si=tAzuwJgOyV5EAknO
Interment will immediately follow in Hill Country Memorial Gardens in New Braunfels, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local food bank or community charity - something Gilbert would’ve supported wholeheartedly.
Gilbert Groomer gave his life to his family, his community, and to the people who crossed his path. He didn’t just build a business - he built a legacy of kindness, strength, and love that will carry on for generations.
If you would like to send flowers, you can place your order through The Last Straw Florist, https://thelaststrawflorist.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqc2vPztjHFxWUNsNBOwaWMrq_bB_5UvKMClH-Zh32S_S6f7ZiA
