On Oct. 28, 2023, the family of Robert Lee Grover said goodbye to a beloved father, husband, and friend. Robert was born July 20, 1936, and was raised in Highlands at the Twin Lights Lighthouse. His grandfather, Murphy Lee Rocket, served as the light keeper for 31 years and Robert was his helper.
After high school, Robert enlisted in the Navy, serving four years on the USS Rooks based in Rhode Island but also traveling the world.
Robert worked at the naval weapons pier, then as a lobster fisherman and a talented local builder.
Kind-hearted, loving and a gentleman, Robert had the rare ability to touch lives effortlessly. Those lucky enough to know him could vouch for the warmth and love he spread. He loved his family and friends, camping, riding motorcycles, cooking and going out to his shed to create woodwork, especially birdhouses.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Grover; sons, Peter Grover, Robert Grover and his wife Eileen, and Christopher Grover and his wife Diana; daughters, Deborah Slavin and her husband Kevin, Bobbi Gean Pierce and her husband Steve, Kelly Zeiner and her husband Peter, Joan Ruffin and her husband Eugene, Tracy McGavin, and Belinda Martin and her husband James. Robert is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, each one a testament to the loving, dedicated father he was.
Robert’s absence will leave a void in the lives of those he leaves behind, but his spirit will forever light the way for his family, much like the Twin Lights did for him.
Fair winds and following seas, our friend. You will be missed by so many.
To honor Robert’s memory, a celebration of life will be held at noon Nov. 18 at the Twin Lights, Highlands. We invite anyone to attend and remember his wonderful life.
This article originally appeared in the November 9 – 15, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
