Obituary of Daniel Robert DeGroot

Daniel Robert DeGroot passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, after a valiant eight-year battle with cancer. He was at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, and he was surrounded by his adoring family. We are so proud of how strong he has been, and with heavy hearts, we are happy for him to have peace. He was 64 years young.
 
Born on a sunny day in November in the old Riverside Hospital, which was in Boonton, to the late Geraldine Barbara (Cox) and Robert Calvin DeGroot, Daniel broke the mold when he was born. He graduated from Boonton High School in 1979 before attending County College of Morris from 1981 to 1983. He then went right to John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor’s in 1985 and Master’s Degree in 1988 in Criminal Justice after four years of dedication. Upon his graduation from college, he earned the title of State Investigator at the job he secured with the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) until 1991. He then switched his career to a place closer to home with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in Morristown. He started his journey as a Detective and worked his way up to the Captain of Investigations before retiring in 2014. Daniel was a proud member of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association. He was genuine and passionate about his work, and therefore very talented at it. He married his best friend and soulmate, Georgette Charlene Walker, on June 6, 1998. The happy couple walked hand in hand on this rollercoaster we call life. After twelve years and raising a son of their own, they relocated to Montville before settling into Rockaway Township in 2019.
 
Daniel always happily worked hard to support his family. An attentive father, Daniel was always there to lend a hand in his son’s various activities throughout elementary, middle, and high school. He always looked forward to spending quality time with Danny and watching his Yankees or NY Giants. Other than his family, the most important thing in his life was his faith. Before he was too sick to attend, Daniel found another home within The Chapel in Lincoln Park. There, he was a member of the Men’s Bible Study, and he forged lasting friendships with incredible people.
 
Fitness was always a part of Daniel’s life. He loved playing sports when he was young, bodybuilding as a young adult, and swimming and working out into adulthood. He was always busy, tinkering around in the garage or in the yard, tending to his garden. This handyman was also an incredible cook! Using fresh vegetables from the garden, and with the help of his son, he would make homemade sauce to enjoy in the winter. He was so thoughtful and smart. 
 
We will miss hearing him play the guitar. We will miss him on family vacations to the beach. Those were his favorite; he loved the beach so much that he even proposed to forever with Georgette on the beach. We will miss him always wishing the best for everyone, trying to make lives better.

Even though he was taken too soon, we are grateful to have had Daniel. We are also comforted knowing he is now reunited with his parents, Geraldine and Robert, his sister, Donna Marie DeGroot, and his father-in-law.
 
His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family – his beloved wife of 27 years, Georgette; his treasured son, Danny; his cherished mother-in-law, Diane (the late Anthony) Anzivino; his loving siblings, Deborah Grabowski, Jacqualine (Victor) Fiore, Denise (Robert) Cacciabeve, and Thomas (Lorraine) DeGroot; his caring sister-in-law, Michele (James) Frascella; his faithful pup, Dakota; and many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 
 
In addition to the unforgettable memories held by his family, we invite those who knew Dan to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Daniel touched the lives of many, and we believe his legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know him; let his light shine bright for eternity. If you would like to honor his memory another way, donations are being accepted to Samaritan's Purse by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation.
 
There will be a Celebration of Life held in the Spring of 2026. Please check back for information.