Obituary of Anson Roy Grover Jr.

Niskayuna, Schenectady County

In loving memory of Anson Roy Grover Jr., 89, who died after a short illness on April 11, 2018.

Born in Montclair, N.J. on Dec. 31, 1928, Roy was the son of Anson Roy and Grace (Focht) Grover. He graduated from Haverford High School in Ardmore, PA as a member of the Suburban Philadelphia Champion football team.  

Roy continued playing football his freshman year at Lafayette College, where he received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1950, and was a member of Delta Upsilon. He pursued a master’s degree in that subject at University of Delaware, until being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 during the Korean War.

Following admission to the Officer’s Candidate School, he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant, promoted to First Lieutenant, and honorably discharged in 1954. He began work that year at Union Carbide in Bloomfield, N.J. in the Bakelite Division. With his first job also came new interests, including his first set of golf clubs and work bowling leagues. In February 1961, he married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginny) Marie Redmond, settled in Martinsville, N.J. and had four children.

After moving to Niskayuna, N.Y., Roy worked at Schenectady International for 22 years until his retirement in 1995, where he continued to consult for several years. Upon retirement, Roy bought his first PC, researched his family tree and wrote his autobiography. He was also freed to further enjoy lifelong interests, particularly golf, enduring the ups and downs of the Mets and Giants, travel (including annual Florida trips), Saratoga Race Track, socializing with friends old and new (including dear friends from church), visits from his children and grandchildren, and many roles at the former St. Helen’s Church, including a member of the Knights of Columbus, pastoral council, choir, lector, Eucharistic minister, teacher in the CCD Confirmation Program, and avid supporter of the parish service programs.  

Roy is survived by Ginny, his wife of 56 years, and four children, Carolyn (Chris) Adams, Mary (Bill) Brandel, Andy (Tricia) Grover and Diane (Randy) Benedict, as well as 10 grandchildren, Charlie, Joe and Anthony Adams; Liam and Kate Brandel; Kerry, Anson and Mairead Grover; and Beth and Sarah Benedict.

Relatives and friends may call April 19, 4-7 pm, at Jones Funeral Home in Schenectady, NY. A funeral mass will be celebrated April 20, 9 am at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, Union St. Burial will follow in Berwyn, PA, at a later date. Contributions in Roy’s memory can be made to St. Kateri Church, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady, NY 12309.