Extensive Service Comes To An End

Father Ralph Groskoph

Episcopal Priest Ralph Groskoph Retires After Seven Years at FFS

By Turner L.

The student body was silent on the Friday morning chapel service on December 4 as Father Ralph Groskoph told them that he was stepping down from his role at The Family Foundation School and would be retiring.“I surely won’t miss the 6:45 chapel service on Fridays due to the time I had to wake up, but I will surely miss the friendship from the faculty and the students,” Father Ralph said.

Father Ralph made major contributions to the school during the time he spent here. He and his wife, Liz Groskoph, have held dinners for the Episcopal students every first Tuesday of the month, set up special programs that allow FFS students to attend church off campus, and have hosted occasional special events such as summer barbeques at their house. “I did my best to provide laughter in tense situations, be a sounding board for student’s ideas, and bring an image of God to the students. It was hard to leave but it had to be done,” said Father Ralph.

Father Ralph retired for one reason, his health. Over three years ago, he had his knees replaced. That is when the thought of retiring occurred to him. Later on in September 2008, he had a metal rod implanted in his back. This sealed the decision; the question was now when and how. Father Ralph commented that while the decision he made was very hard and had to be done, he had a hard time making it. His emotional attachment to the student body has become very real to him. He loved the variety of personalities he has seen over the last seven years, and though he does not remember names, he does remember how they came into FFS and how they left. “Father Ralph had a huge impact upon my life and I will always remember his strong spirit and generosity. I’ll miss him,” said FFS student Ann H.

Father Ralph, though retired, continues to serve Mass at St. Anne’s in Afton, New York as a Vicar but plans to stay in touch with the students at FFS and will drop in from time to time. His wife, Father Liz, will continue to run the service on Friday mornings but with a new partner, Vocational Deacon Barbara Hanstine who lives in Hancock.