Former mayor, House majority leader dies

WINSTED — Members of the Winsted community said goodbye to one of the town’s best-known leaders in recent history, John G. Groppo, Monday at St. Joseph Church, after his passing on June 12 following a stroke. The lifelong Winsted resident was 92.A former mayor, state representative and majority leader of the state House of Representatives, Groppo was also remembered as a beloved father and grandfather.Among the people to memorialize Groppo this week were Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman who issued a joint written statement.“Throughout his life, John Groppo dedicated his career to serving the people of Winsted, and indeed the entire state. Whether it was as mayor, as House Majority Leader, or — perhaps most notably — fighting on behalf of our country in World War II, he always put the citizens of this state and nation first. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”Groppo was born Aug. 14, 1921, in Winsted to the late Leo and Adele (Zecchin) Groppo. He attended St. Anthony School and The Gilbert School and was a communicant of St. Joseph Church. A stone mason by trade, he was the owner of Leo Groppo & Son, Mason Contractors.Groppo served with the United States Marine Corps in World War II from 1942 to 1946. He was mayor of Winchester from 1965 to 1967 and served as Democratic Registrar of Voters, Democratic Town Committee chairman, deputy chief of the Winsted Fire Department Engine 2 and member of the W.L. Gilbert Trust Corp. He was chairman of the Northwest Community Bank Corporation, a past grand knight, fourth degree of the Winchester Knights of Columbus, a member of the Winsted Elks Lodge and the local VFW. Groppo was elected state representative to the 63rd District, from 1959 to 1985. During his tenure in the General Assembly, he served as House Majority Leader and chairman of numerous committees including appropriations, claims, legislative review and investigations, joint committee on legislative management, executive and legislative nominations and judiciary. He served as commissioner of the Department of Revenue Services from 1985 to 1987. Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Sadie (Avenia), his brothers, Gurino, Louis, Alfred, Julio and Reno Groppo. He was remembered as a man of uncommon kindness, with a gracious, generous spirit, always living up to the ideals of his faith. Groppo is survived by his children, Linda Groppo of Simsbury; Mary Weinbach of Winsted; Theresa and husband David Jacob of Middletown; Nancy and husband Attorney Philip Groth of West Hartland; Dr. John G. Groppo Jr., and his wife Bonnie of Nicholasville, Ky.; and Gloria and her husband Robert Williams of Simsbury. He is also survived by grandchildren Holly Manuel, Allison Beck, Landon Barker, Eric and Jonathan Weinbach, Ryan Jacob, Kristen Smith, Philip, Colin, Miles and Gabrielle Groth, Sarah Lawless, Martha and Virginia Groppo, Abbey, Molly and Carly Williams; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Burial was held Monday at St. Joseph Cemetery with full military honors. Donations may be made to St. Anthony School, 31 Oak Street, Winsted, CT 06098 or to the John G. Groppo Scholarship, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Park Place East, Winsted, CT 06098. Visit an online guestbook at www.montano-shea.com.