Carl René De Groote - Obituary

arl René De Groote, 84, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, in Annapolis, Maryland, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on May 23, 1942, in New York to Carl Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth De Groote, who came to the United States from Belgium. Carl was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was married to Carolyn De Groote, his dedicated wife for 36 years, who preceded him in death. Carl and Carolyn raised their young family together in Marlboro, New Jersey. Carl is survived by his five loving children: Michelle (Tom) Corcoran of Bethesda, Maryland; Marie (Richard) Mullaney of Queenstown, Maryland; Alissa (Larry) Winkler of Annapolis, Maryland; Carl (Krista) De Groote of Crownsville, Maryland; and Christina (John) London of Duxbury, Massachusetts; his twelve grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. Carl was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mimi Schmidt. Carl lived a life defined by service, hard work, curiosity, and love for his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a successful career as an electrical engineer and business leader. An engineer at his core, Carl possessed a remarkable intellect, an affinity for mathematics and physics, and God-given abilities to solve problems, which enabled him to excel in all his vocational endeavors. He built a successful career as an executive in the wire and cable industry before becoming an entrepreneur and business owner. Carl was innovative and played a critical role in the development and design of a wire cable ultimately used on the Verrazano Bridge in New York. His love of engineering extended well beyond his profession. Whether helping his children understand difficult math homework, explaining chemistry equations, engineering a winning Pinewood Derby car, or supporting a ribbon-winning history or science fair project, Carl was a lifelong learner who found genuine joy in teaching, building, and making a difference in the lives of those he loved. He approached every challenge with curiosity, creativity, patience, and confidence, which inspired those around him. After retiring from his first career, Carl found great fulfillment in his second career as General Manager at Ocean Colony with Dune Resorts in Montauk, New York. At Ocean Colony, Carl was known by many colleagues and owners as a loyal friend, for his warm, charismatic qualities, fun sense of humor, and as a manager who worked tirelessly, diligently, and meticulously, and who was proud to share his faith in God. For the last 28 years, Carl has made Montauk his home. He loved the beauty and serenity of the Long Island Shore, where he enjoyed fishing, boating, and pursuing his passion for photography. He especially cherished hosting family get-togethers at the beach, fishing with his grandchildren, and gathering around the table to enjoy meals together. The ocean brought him peace, and there was no place he loved more. Carl will be most remembered for being a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, long admired for his sharp mind, generous, kind spirit, and deep appreciation for the people in his life, as well as his strong faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 23 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD. Carl will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His love and cherished memories will be forever carried in the hearts of his family and friends who loved him dearly. Condolences may be made by using the Memories link on this page.