Gouldsboro
Joseph R. “Joe” Grover Sr., 83, of Gouldsboro, passed away peacefully April 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Hallowell on April 8, 1937, to Harold B. and Hazel M. (Branch) Grover. Joe was one of 10 children. He grew up in Freeport, moving his senior year to graduate from Cape Elizabeth High School. Joe married the love of his life, Marie A. Young, in November 1958.
He enjoyed square-dancing, stock car racing, cards and games with friends, bowling, church functions and camping. Joe always looked forward to sharing dinners with his sister, Patricia, and brother-in-law, Lawrence Young. His grandson, Benjamin Grover, and wife, Rebekah, brought him much joy throughout his life by including him in most everything they did. The kids fondly called Joe “Bumpie.” You would often hear Joe respond with a “suffering old teabag” or “don’t be a gully-loo-bird.” He was tougher than a boiled owl and as stubborn as a Mainer can get.
Joe worked as a residential carpenter all his life. He was a school bus driver for RSU 24 for almost 30 years, retiring at age 79. Joe was in the Marine Corps Reserves, was a longtime deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ellsworth and belonged to Gideon International, focusing on educating young people about Christianity.
Joe is survived by a daughter, Sherrie, and her husband, Allen Hersom, of Edgecomb; a son, Joseph R. Grover Jr., and his wife, Pamela, of Media, Pa.; and a daughter, Lesli, and her husband, Jason Lee, of Ellsworth; a sister, Marie DeSalle, of Scarborough; a sister, Patricia, and her husband, Lawrence Young, of Hancock; a sister, Irene McLellan, of Killeen, Texas; a brother, Robert Grover, and his wife, Doris, of Sevierville, Tenn.; and a brother, Paul Grover, of San Bernardino, Calif.; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Marie A. (Young) Grover; a brother, Arthur Grover, of Standish; a brother, James Grover, of Buxton; a sister, Jane Folmer, of Holden; and a brother, Francis Grover, of Florida.
A time of visitation with the family will begin at 11 a.m., April 10, 2021, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 11 Park St., Ellsworth, with a celebration of Joe’s life at noon. A reception at the church will immediately follow the service. Due to COVID restrictions, a mask and social distancing will be required. Private interment will be at Lake View Cemetery, Gouldsboro.
A special thank you to Marlene Walker and Total Care Solutions, LLC of Holden for their exceptional in-home care of Joe during his end-of-life journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Joe’s honor to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 11 Park St., Ellsworth, ME 04605.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Ellsworth, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com.