William M. Grover
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William "Bill" Maurice Grover, 80, of Rocky Hill, CT (formerly of East Lyme), beloved husband for 57 years of Virginia "Ginger" (Heslin) Grover, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's Disease and finally a brief fight with COVID-19. He had a remarkable career with Aetna and Travelers for 35 years, finishing his tenure as a vice president. Born on March 25, 1940, in South Berwick, Maine, he was the son of Roger M. and Sally (Willson) Grover. Bill was a graduate of Old Lyme High School, class of 1958, where he lettered in soccer, basketball and baseball and also served as student council president. In 1962 he graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, majoring in Business Administration. In July 1959, while working at the White Sand Beach Store in Old Lyme, Bill met Ginger, the love of his life. They were engaged in 1962 and then married in August, 1963. They welcomed a baby boy (Roger) in 1964 and a set of twin girls (Tracey and Trisha) in 1966. Bill and Ginger first lived in Kensington and later New Britain. In 1970 they built a home in East Lyme, CT. A little league baseball coach for many years, he also helped establish the East Lyme girls' softball and basketball programs. On the political front, Bill held elected positions for more than 20 years serving in the following roles: Chairman of the Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Finance, and Board of Selectmen. Along with getting married, 1963 was also the year that Bill began working at "The Aetna" in Hartford. He served in many roles across his illustrious career and specialized in reengineering, project management, construction management, and facilities management. From 1980-1981, as an "Executive on Loan" from Aetna, Bill served as senior vice president and secretary/treasurer of the National Alliance of Business in Washington, D.C. In January, 1981 Bill and Ginger danced the night away at President Ronald Reagan's first Inaugural Ball. He later served as facilities director of the Aetna Middletown campus and then director of facilities for the Aetna home office complex on Farmington Avenue in Hartford. He oversaw an extensive and widespread staff responsible for all building and real estate operations including construction, security, maintenance and grounds. Bill went on to enjoy 24 years of retirement where he and Ginger traveled extensively. In the late 90s Bill and Ginger shared time between Boca Raton, FL and East Lyme, but ultimately the draw of family brought them back to Connecticut permanently. As a grandfather, he integrated himself into his grandchildren's lives in every way possible, whether it was attending sporting events, school plays or other functions, "Papa" was always there. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Washington Redskins, UConn Women's Basketball and the Hartford Whalers. Bill was a wonderful father, a devoted husband and loving grandfather; he will be dearly missed. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Virginia "Ginger" (Heslin) Grover; son Roger and wife Donna (Baroni) Grover of Rocky Hill; daughters Tracey and husband James McMillan of Cromwell, Trisha and husband Mark DeBacco of Webster, NY; sister Carol and husband Thomas Cerny of Grand Blanc, MI; and six loving grandchildren, Brandon Grover of Boston, MA, Allison Grover of Rocky Hill, Ian and Connor McMillan of Cromwell, Molly and Drew DeBacco of Webster, NY. Bill also leaves in-laws Patrick and Marie Heslin of Berlin, Frederica Heslin of Marlborough, and John Heslin of Berlin. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Elizabeth Grover Dowdell of Old Lyme, and two brothers-in-law: Robert K. Heslin of Palm Beach Shores, FL and William J. Heslin III of Marlborough. He also leaves behind a much loved and remarkable array of nieces, nephews and cousins. The family is very appreciative of the care Bill received at Middlesex Hospital. We would especially like to thank nurse Mary Rogalski from South 7 Hospice who cared for Bill during his final hours. There are no calling hours or services. Plans are being made to celebrate Bill's life with family and friends in August 2021. Details will be announced at a later date. The Farrell Funeral Home has care of arrangements. To send a condolence please visit, www.FarrellFuneralHome.com