Thomas Marshall Groetzinger, 88, died Saturday at home. He was born on May 4, 1927 in Milkensburg, PA. Tom's lifelong love of singing and choral music began as a boy chorister in a professional choir in Pittsburgh. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Air Force, served in Japan, and was then stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia. There, he joined the choir at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and met Harold Reynolds, a fellow choir member. The two would become close, lifelong friends. Harold introduced Tom to his sister, Helen, and they were married on July 10, 1948. When Tom's commitment to the Air Force ended in 1952, he attended the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. His professional life began at the South Carolina Electric and Gas Company where he worked until retiring in 1985 as Vice President of I.T. and Accounting. Tom was a member of the University of South Carolina Mastersingers, the Sandlappers, and the choir at First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed playing tennis and was a member of the Forest Lake Club. In retirement, he also served on the board of the Palmetto Club.

He is survived by his wife, Helen R. Groetziner; two daughters, Nancy Albrink and Kathy Faulk (Dale); two grandchildren, Emily Albrink Katz (David) and Peter Albrink; and a great-grandson, Edwin Peter Katz.

The service for Mr. Groetzinger will be held Thursday, August 27th, at 3 o'clock, in Smith Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 1420 Washington Street, Columbia, with The Rev. L. Craig Wilkes officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Atrium of Jackson Hall. Memorials may be made to The First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.