Franklin Lyman Groves

Yarmouth - Franklin Lyman Groves of Yarmouth, Maine passed away on Thursday August 1, 2013 at Bay Square at Yarmouth. He was born on Cousins Island in Yarmouth on January 14, 1923 where the doctor walked across the ice to attend to his mother, which is a story Franklin shared until his death. Franklin was the son of Agnes and Seth Groves.

Franklin grew up on Cousins Island. He attended North Yarmouth Academy and graduated in 1941. He served in World War II, during the occupation of Japan. He attended the University of Maine and graduated with a BS degree, returning later to get his Masters of Education in 1960. Franklin met his wife Caroline at an alumni dance at UMO. Franklin and Caroline made their home in various places such as Erie PA, NYC, and Lubec, Maine where their first son Carl was born. They moved to Dover Foxcroft where their son Steven was born and eventually settled in Tolland, CT where their daughter Karen was born. Franklin taught chemistry and physics for many years at the high school in Stafford Springs, CT. He loved teaching in and out of the classroom.

Franklin loved life and had so much endless energy. He had a great passion for the outdoors. He loved to sail the waters of Casco Bay. He loved to swim, fish and clam the flats on the island. He was most proud of his bountiful vegetable garden. One never went home empty handed.

He built a summer cabin on the island where he and Caroline retired. Franklin loved to be surrounded by his family. Here is where he loved to put on lobster and clambakes, with an abundance of food for everyone.

Franklin was always full of tales and stories of the past – from his days on the island to the times spent in Japan. He loved to share his jokes again and again! Franklin loved to read, especially history, and was involved with the Yarmouth Historical Society. Franklin was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his family. He was always there to give advice and lend a helping hand. All were welcome in his home to eat, sleep or just to keep company.

Franklin is survived by his three children: Carl Groves, Steven Groves and Karen Mokarzel; and his five grandchildren: Benjamin Groves, Joshua Mokarzel, Kyle Groves, Danielle Mokarzel, and Samuel Groves. Franklin was predeceased by his five siblings; Clarence Groves, Margery Groves, Arthur Groves, Oscar Groves, and Doris Carlin.

Visiting hours are Monday August 5, 2013 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home, One Mayberry Lane, Yarmouth ME 04096. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday August 6, 2013 at 11:00 AM at First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main Street, Yarmouth with Reverend Kate Dalton officiating. Burial will follow in the Cousins Island Cemetery on Cousins Island. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Franklin’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.