YARMOUTH — Franklin Lyman Groves, 90, of Yarmouth, died Aug. 1 at Bay Square at Yarmouth.

He was born on Cousins Island Jan. 14, 1923, where the doctor walked across the ice to attend to his mother, a story Groves shared until his death. He was the son of Agnes and Seth Groves.

Groves grew up on Cousins Island. He attended North Yarmouth Academy and graduated in 1941. He served in World War II, and during the occupation of Japan. He attended the University of Maine and graduated with a BS degree, returning later to get his master’s degree in education in 1960.

He met his wife Caroline at an alumni dance at the University of Maine. They made their home in places such as Erie, Pa., New York, N.Y., and Lubec, where their first son, Carl, was born. They moved to Dover Foxcroft, where their son, Steven, was born, and eventually settled in Tolland, Conn., where their daughter, Karen, was born. Groves taught chemistry and physics for many years at the high school in Stafford Springs, Conn.

Groves 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 and sharing so one never went home empty handed.

He was always full of tales and stories of the past, from his days on the island to the time spent in Japan. He loved to read, especially history, and was involved with the Yarmouth Historical Society.

Groves 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.

He 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. He was predeceased by his five siblings, Clarence Groves, Margery Groves, Arthur Groves, Oscar Groves and Doris Carlin.

A funeral service was held Tuesday at First Parish Congregational Church, in Yarmouth, with Reverend Kate Dalton officiating. Burial was in the Cousins Island Cemetery on Cousins Island. 

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