Edward C. Grover

Edward C. Grover, 86 of Hebron (Harbor Hills) and Melbourne, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017 in Melbourne, Florida with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 14, 1930 in Pittsburgh, Pa., the son of the late Edward Walther and Elizabeth (Arnold) Grover. He married the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Patricia, on April 2, 1955. Together they raised three children. He loved vacationing, spending time at his lake house, boating, cooking, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and most of all spending time with his family, especially after he was blessed with four grandchildren. Ed was always known for his kindness, generosity and caring, always stepping in to help anyone in need. All who had the privilege to know him described him as the kindest and most compassionate man they had ever met. A familiar saying by many was that Ed would give you the shirt off his back if he knew you were in need. He was an exemplary father and husband always putting his familys or others needs before his own. He led by example, touching lives, and leaving his mark on so many of us. Edward graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1956, with an M.A. in Education, Administration, Supervision, Psychology and Guidance. A lifelong educator, he always had a passion for helping and educating children, especially those with special needs. He served as a Teacher, and a Guidance Counselor with several Ohio public schools before being appointed to the Ohio Department of Education in Columbus, Ohio in 1958. During his tenure there, Edward held the positions of Child Study Consultant and Psychologist for the Division of Special Education; State Coordinator, Educational & Medical Clinics Ohio School for the Deaf and State School for the Blind Division of Special Education; Section Chief, Physically Handicapped Division of Special Education and Assistant Director of the Division of Special Education. In 1968 Edward was appointed as the Superintendent of The Ohio State School For The Deaf until he retired in 1984 after 16 years of dedicated service. Edward was a member of numerous Professional Organizations serving as Past President, including The Ohio Federation, Council of Exceptional Children Local Chapter; The Ohio Association of Special Education Administrators; The Ohio School Psychologists Association; The Ohio School Administrators Association; Sertoma International and Phi Delta Kappa. He is also the author of numerous publications by the Ohio State Department of Education, Division of Special Education: The Role of Education in the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency, (1956); A Demonstration Project for Brain Damaged Children in Ohio, (1962); Predicting Achievement for Deaf Children, (1963); History and Development of School Psychology in Ohio, (1964); Ohio Programs for Visually Handicapped Children, (1965); Ohio Programs for Hearing Handicapped Children, (1966); Orthopedically Handicapped Children in Ohio Public Schools (1968); and Ohio Programs for Neurologically Handicapped Children. Edward was presented with an Honorary Life Membership in 1970 by the Ohio School Psychologists Association as well as receiving numerous additional awards for his leadership and distinguished and outstanding service to Ohios children and Professional, Educational and Service Organizations. Ed will be dearly missed by his surviving family who loved him more than words can ever express: Wife Patricia, children Christie (Michael) Idleman, Scott Grover (Virginia Huffman), Brian (Anna) Grover, a brother and sister-in-law George (Pam) Grover, grandchildren Bryce, Kendall, Kevin and Benjamin. Honoring the familys wishes to spend this last precious time with Ed, the services will be private for the family only. Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in Edwards name to a charity of your choice. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster