John Angelo Groza

John was born on January 6, 1945 in Wheeling, West Virginia. He spent his formative years cruising the streets of Lancaster, Ohio, which is where he met the love of his life, Patricia Robinson. John graduated from Lancaster High School in 1962, and attended Ohio University. He left college to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967, seeing the world aboard various Navy ships. Just one month after he was honorably discharged from the Navy, John and Pat got married, and started their amazing journey together. That journey took them and their three children to sunny Stuart, Florida in 1981. John and Pat raised their family on the Treasure Coast, and built their version of the American dream.

As a Certified General Contractor and Real Estate Broker, John built homes for thousands of families over his 54 year career. In February 1986, he and Pat opened Groza Builders, a business they nourished with hard work, dedication and grit. While he was a successful businessman, John was first and foremost a family man. He loved his family and friends, and would go to the ends of the earth for those he cared about. His sense of family and loyalty were unwavering, and his kindness and light touched many.

John was an avid pool player, competing in tournaments all over the state, and winning many. He was also a black belt in karate, and a passionate (and semi-talented) basketball player at Braden’s Garden for almost 30 years (where he beat John Jovanovich one-on-one twice). He felt a deep sense of pride in his country and his community, supporting many local causes on the Treasure Coast including the YMCA for which he built the Easter house each year, the Hibiscus House, the Knights of Columbus (as a founding member of the Jensen Beach council), and Care Bag. John was also a member of the Saint Lucie Catholic Church for over 30 years.

John is survived by his wife Patricia (Robinson); his children Nicolia Szary, Angelique (and Jeff) Lyons, and Tony (and Debbie) Groza; his grandchildren Ashley (and Matt) Lages, Shane Szary, Alexandria Szary, Andrew Lyons, Matthew Lyons, and Christopher Lyons; his brother Brett (and Denise) Groza; and his many friends who were like family. He is predeceased by his parents John and Rosemary Groza, his sister Rosemary Ansara, and his son-in-law Michael Szary.

The family will hold a viewing on June 16, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Aycock at Tradition Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on June 17, 2025 at 10:00 am at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Port Saint Lucie. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to DDS4VETS in his honor at Improve a Life – Donate Now to DDS4Vets - DDS4VETS | Non-profit Organization Supporting Veterans.

“Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” – Flavia Weedn