John Grove

John was born in Ithaca, NY, on November 5, 1942. He graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Air Force ROTC program at Cornell University in 1965. Major Grove retired with honors from the United States Air Force where he served for 22 years, primarily as a renowned Special Operator and helicopter pilot. His major awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the 20th Special Operations Squadron Lifetime Achievement Award.

After retiring from active duty at Hurlburt Field in 1987, Major (Ret.) Grove dedicated his talents and energies to humanitarian efforts that affected the lives and hearts of people and communities both in the United States and globally, including support and construction of orphanages and schools in Thailand and Central America. He also established and operated a scholarship program to collect education funds for the children of U.S. Air Force Special Operations helicopter personnel who perished while on active duty.

John valued family and friends, and he held his hometown of Trumansburg, NY close to heart. His continued participation with the Trumansburg Central School Alumni Association for the Class of 1960, the Trumansburg American Legion, the Trumansburg Fish & Game Club, and the Woodland Roadhouse demonstrates his enthusiasm to stay in involved with his classmates, friends, and family. He will be dearly missed by all.
He was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He is survived by his mother, Doris Eaton of Romulus, NY; his brothers, Floyd (Cindy) Grove of New Holland, PA, Ed (Carole) Grove of Sauquoit, NY, and Bill (Carol) Grove of Trumansburg, NY; his son, Todd (Diane) Grove; his daughter, Velvet (Mike) Grove; his granddaughters, Heather and Haily Grove of Orlando, FL; and 17 devoted nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Wheeler Grove; his grandson, Chase Grove; and his son, Terry Grove.
Major (Ret.) John W. Grove was an inspiration to all who knew him; a testimonial to the finest qualities of airmen and human beings.

A memorial fund has been set up in John’s name to continue his humanitarian efforts. Donations can be made to:

BTC/The John Grove Memorial Fund
c/o Bless the Children, Inc.
1610 Rachel Court
Clearwater, FL 33756

Learn more about Bless the Children (opens in a new tab).