Diana A. Groll

Diana A. Groll, of Hector, passed away on February 17 at age 62 after a long private battle with cancer.


She was born on August 17, 1959 in Watkins Glen to Harry and Emma Roccisano, who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Watkins Glen High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Ithaca College.


Until her retirement in 2017 she taught instrumental music in the Watkins Glen Central School District. In addition to leading the high school music program, she began the Music Club at the school and took her students on yearly trips to New York City to see Broadway shows. She also directed her students in annual performances at Village Christmas, and supervised band trips to Darien Lake. She shared her love of music with her students, and encouraged them to participate in regional and state solo festivals. She was also a National Board Certified teacher.


Diana was an accomplished clarinetist, and played professionally in the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. She also contributed her musical talents to the Corning Area Community Concert Band and played at Elmira College's commencement ceremonies. She also privately taught woodwind students.


The place she most enjoyed offering her musical talents was at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, where she led the Music of the Lord Choir. She started in music ministry at the church as a teenager, and continued until 2020. One of her greatest joys was directing the choir on Sundays. In addition to directing she played flute and clarinet.


In her spare time Diana enjoyed sewing, quilting and gardening. Many babies were the recipients of her handmade bunnies and baby quilts, and the garden she tended next to her home was the source of delicious meals during the beautiful Seneca Lake summers.


She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Bob Groll. She is also survived by her daughters, Megan (Phil) Brown of Leavenworth, KS and Elise Groll and her fiancee, Chris Meyer, of Milford, CT, and grandson, Alexavier Brown. Other survivors include her brother Joe (Suzanne) Roccisano of Dunkirk, her sister, Rose (Vince) Barto of Findlay, OH, John (Barbara) Groll of Pittsburgh PA, Marilyn (Tom) Gaska of Endicott, Susan (Kevin) Cheesebrough of State College, PA, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by an aunt, Carmela Manno of Akron, OH, many cousins and her close friends Sue and Henry Rocholl.


Above all, her daughters Megan and Elise were the lights of her life. She was looking forward to Elise's wedding later this summer. They were what she was most proud of.


Diana was a good and faithful servant who will be greatly missed.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. The praying of the Rosary will be held in the Link of the church at 9:30 am prior to mass. Donations may be made in Diana's name to Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry, 112 Tenth St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 45, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.