Donald A. Group, Sr.

Donald A. Group, Sr., 92, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on October 11, 2024, in the Chapel Pointe of Carlisle. He was born August 23, 1932, in Gardners to the late Ralph J. and Mirian I. (Keckler) Group.

Donald lived with his parents, Ralph J. Group and Mirian (Keckler) Group, until June of 1957. He attended one room schools, Uriah in his first-grade year, Myerstown second through sixth grade, seventh and eighth at Idaville and ninth through twelfth grade, Biglerville High School. He was a Biglerville Graduate class of a1950, completing commercial courses. On Labor Day, 1951, he was hired by McCoy Brothers as a bookkeeper and general contractor. Doanld went to work the very next day and worked until Labor Day of 1999. During that time, he served time in the United States Army, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, during the Korean War. Following his service time, Donald returned to McCoy Brothers to continue where he left off. During Don’s time at McCoy Brothers, the company continued to grow. In 1957, McCoy Brothers started a 106-lot housing development and a public water company. The Pine Road Heights Water Company serviced Mt. Holly Springs and the joining areas, Dickinson Township and South Middleton Township. Additionally, in 1957, McCoy Bros built and operated Midway Bowling Center. In 1978, the brothers John and Bill McCoy sold the business to new partners, including William C. McCoy and Donald A. Group, who was made president. Don managed and grew the business until he retired on Labor Day of 1999. The very next year, he and his two sons, Don Jr and Tony, started a successful excavating business named Group and Group Excavating. In 2001, they expanded by starting Midway Self Storage and Car Wash which operated under their management until April of 2023. At this time, it was sold to a large cooperation from Colorado. Don was also a partner and involved in managing the Holly Hills, Jefferson Court, Indian Hills, Dickinson Estates, Rockwell Farms, Hilltop Heights, South View Estates, Laurel Estates, and Woods at Barnitz. Don Jr. and Tony were responsible for grading streets, electric, water and sewer, and paving so that lots could be liquidated. 

In 1956, while serving at Carlisle Bowling Lanes, Don noticed this young, beautiful blonde that took notice of his presence, shortly after, Don was taking his banking to the First National Bank of Mt. Holly when he noticed that same beautiful blonde at a vacant teller’s window. After several more visits to the bank, Don would ask her for a date, which she agreed. They continued to date until Christmas of 1956, when they would get engaged. Don and Roxey would then get married on June 25, 1957, and shortly after moving into a new ranch home. Their two sons were born, Don Jr., on May 24, 1958, and Tony was born August 6, 1960. Don and Roxey lived in Pine Road Heights until 1963, when they built a new home on top of the hill on Sunset Drive. They would live there until 2018, when they moved to Chapel Point of Carlisle. 

Surviving is his loving wife, Roxey G. (Starner) Group of Carlisle; children, Donald (wife, Jilletha) Group, Jr., and Tony (wife, Brenda) Group both of Mt. Holly Springs; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Brent, Brandon, Jacquelyn, and Luanne Narvett; eleven great grandchildren, Hadley, Holden, Hayden, Wyett, Westin, Trevor, Alyssa, Brianna, Quincy, Jayda, and Kamden and four great great grandchildren, Bentley, Colby, Kayden, and Briella; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Lee Group and sister, Louise Howery.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Hilltop Community Church, 202 W Butler St, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 with Pastor Donna Hildebrand officiating. A viewing will be held two hours prior to services and burial will take place in Mt. Holly Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapel Pointe at Carlisle, 770 S Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 or Hilltop Community Church. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs. Visit HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.