John Adam Groth

WEST HARTLAND — John Adam Groth, 20, of Mill Street, died Nov. 25, 2009, as the result of an automobile accident in West Hartland.

Born on Nov. 27, 1988, in Hartford, he was the son of Joanne (King) and Harold “Bud†Groth and had lived most of his life in West Hartland. He was a 2006 graduate of The Gilbert School in Winsted and currently was a senior at the University of Connecticut in Storrs looking forward to completing his studies in kinesiology and nutrition. His down time was spent with his friends and family.

Groth started gymnastics at an early age and never lost his love for it. He was state all around champion in 2002 and later achieved men’s Junior Olympic national status. At The Gilbert School he was an honor student and captain of the wrestling and track teams. An accomplished pole-vaulter, he was a state champion two years in a row. He then started to coach and teach gymnastics during the summertime.

He loved life and enjoyed games, listening to music, playing his guitar, riding his motorcycle and smoking cigars.

In addition to his parents and brother, Jared Groth, all of West Hartland, he is survived by his maternal grandmother, Ann King of East Granby; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services were held Nov. 30 from Maloney Funeral Home to St. Joseph’s Church, Winsted. Burial was private. Donations to the St. Joseph’s Church Youth Group in Winsted would be greatly appreciated. To leave an online condolence, visit maloneyfuneral.com.