George ‘Buddy’ Grover III
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
ATLANTIC CITY – Beloved Absecon Lighthouse keeper George “Buddy” Grover III, who died Jan. 4 at age 96, will be honored this week at two special events being held in the city.
The City of Atlantic City will rename a portion of Rhode Island Avenue in Grover’s honor 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27. All are welcome to attend the event. The lighthouse will delay its normal opening time to 12:30 p.m. to allow time for the dedication.
The Absecon Lighthouse, designed by George Meade, is the nation’s third tallest masonry lighthouse at 171 feet tall.
During his years as lightkeeper, Grover charmed visitors with his stories about the lighthouse. He was seen as an ambassador for the city and because of his age, attracted interest from local and national media.
The event follows a celebration of Grover’s life being held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. The free event includes an organ concert at 5 p.m. with presentations following in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom. A reception will be held after the celebration at Cardinal Restaurant, 201 S. New York Ave.
In addition to being the lightkeeper at New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse for 14 years, Grover was a volunteer of the Historic Organ Restoration Committee, which is restoring the historic 33,000-pipe organ at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
The event is free, but reservations are recommended. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buddy-grover-celebration-of-life-tickets-912221457937?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=
Anyone interested in sharing photos or memories of Grover should email Mandy at [email protected] with “Buddy” in the subject line.
Learn more at AbseconLighthouse.org.
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