Before computers entered into the photography world, longtime Southender Stephen Grohe was producing amazing photographic images that appeared to be manipulated by computers – but were only a result of his remarkable technical skill with a film camera.
Stephen Foster Grohe, born May 10, 1935, to Marion Foster Grohe and Herman Grohe, died peacefully on Dec. 17, 2017, in Newburyport. Stephen was predeceased by Judith Gail Clarke Grohe, his beloved wife of 52 years. He is survived by his daughters Deborah Lynn and Laura Gail, Laura’s husband Chris J. Cattel Sr., granddaughter Rachael Cattel, and his nieces Denise Grohe Dorn and Linda Grohe Sakowski. He is predeceased by his brother Bruce. His two cousins are Randi Grohe Lathrop and Gretchen Grohe Keyworth from the South End.
Grohe and his family lived on West Newton Street for nearly 40 years before moving to Newburyport two years ago.
He kept a studio in Fort Point for more than 30 years and worked as a commercial photographer for clients in the high-tech industries.
His clients included Bose, Polaroid, Digital Equipment Company, and Raytheon. Grohe brought together an artistic vision informed by surrealism with a remarkable and fearless intellect. He said his goal was not to simply photograph a computer, but to create an image which conveyed the idea of the computer he was photographing.
He grew up in Old Greenwich, Conn. After graduating from high school, he moved to the South End to live and to pursue a career in commercial photography. When he was starting out as a photographer, he supported himself in part as a professional violinist.
Calling hours will be held on Jan. 13, from 4-6 p.m. at Twomey, LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St. in Newburyport.