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228 Steps - One Amazing Journey

The George "Buddy" Grover III Memorial Fund

A Beacon for the Ages
George “Buddy” Grover III, was our beloved Lightkeeper from 2009 to 2023. He charmed and enlightened thousands of visitors during his 14 years of volunteer service. His smile and personality instantly endeared him to everyone he met, and his legacy is an inspiration to all. In his honor, Absecon Lighthouse received a grant from ThriveAC Fund to develop the brochure and program you are now learning about. Buddy’s passion was for the care and preservation of this iconic beacon – New Jersey’s tallest and the country’s third tallest masonry beacon. His dream was to use his legacy as a lightkeeper to inspire others to help fund Absecon Lighthouse with general support to keep our light shining. Buddy was a Beacon for the Ages. He was a role model of how to live your best life. He leaves us with hope and inspiration, as a friend to all he met. We hope you will learn more about our friend Buddy in this brochure, and honor him with a contribution to keep his light shining here for ages. Buddy was featured on NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt in May of 2022.
Watch Interview
THE GEORGE “Buddy” GROVER III
MEMORIAL FUND
Your contribution in Buddy’s honor will be used for general operating support for Absecon Lighthouse. Some years are profitable, and some years are challenging due to extreme weather events affecting visitation, area industry business success or strife, and economic bellwethers of daily living. We are open year-round, and operate successfully due to our amazing crew of volunteers, who give their time, like Buddy did, to keep our light shining!
  • Buddy the Lightkeeper - $5,000+
  • A Beacon for the Ages - $2,500 - $4,999
  • The Young at Heart - $1,000 - $2,499
  • Semper Fi, US Marine Corps - $500 - $999
  • The World Traveler - $250 - $499
  • Be Like Buddy - $100 - $249
Other payment options: Credit card call the Lighthouse at 609-449-1360. Check use this form and mail with your check.
See the timeline of Buddy’s incredible life below.
The Guiding Light Award
IN BUDDY’S HONOR, Absecon Lighthouse will implement an annual award for an individual who reflects and acts on core characteristics that made Buddy such a special person and citizen. These include: • Volunteerism • Community engagement with civic organizations • Inclusivity & good cheer
To buddy from Nana
Congratulations written for his 15th birthday in 1942 when Nana (Inez Rebecca Cain) was 80 years old. To my dear Grandson Sincerely hoping that you will always go through life as pleasant and happy as you are now. And – remember – to make life worth living…Be optimistic – tolerant – be patient and forgiving. Make the best of everything – You’ll find life’s well worth living. Lovingly, Nana
Buddy's Tips
Many people who met Buddy would always ask a few things about their few senior friend: “You’re so youthful!” “What is your secret?” And actually, there is a secret he had: • be physically active • stay socially active • be intellectually active KEEP ALL THE GEARS MOVING!
“Buddyisms”
Buddy had quite a wit, and always projected a fun outlook on life. Some highlights: “You might want to consider eating a frozen Banquet brand dinner – they’re loaded with preservatives!” Buddy started volunteering at Boardwalk Hall’s Historic Organ Committee at age 82, and was asked to clean an area that was 80 years old, and he quipped “I’m older than dirt!” Buddy would say, “try and keep healthy because I’m going to need someone to keep me company in my old age.” When someone would say “nice to see you” to Buddy, he would reply “nice to be seen!” And another quip, “I want to die young as late in life as possible.”
  • 1927
    Born September 24
    Born September 24, 1927,in Hamilton Square,New Jersey to parents George Hill Grover, Jr.and Helen Kugler Grover.
  • Attended Hamilton
    High School West


  • 1945
    Joined the US Marine
    Corps in autumn of 1945

  • 1950
    University of North Carolina
    Received a Navy ROTC scholarshipto attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • 1956
    Returns to NJ
    Returned to New Jersey in 1956 and workedat the famed Shelburne Hotel in Atlantic City
  • 1962
    Married
    Aurora Derado Martinez
    on July 17.

  • 1965
    Mail Carrier
    At age 38, he became a lettercarrier for the U.S Post Office for 22 years

  • Australia
    Traveled with Aurora to Australia,South Asia, New Zealand, Scandinavia,Spain, and South America. Visited withsister Jane Grover-Smith whiletraveling in Australia.s

  • After Retirement
    Became a part-time driver for the senior care program of the City ofAtlantic City after retiring from the Post Office.
  • 2009
    Historic Organ Restoration
    Committee
    Became a volunteer for the Historic Organ Restoration Committee at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Absecon Lighthouse in 2009, meeting lighthouse visitors from every continent except Antarctica.

  • Attended many social events
    including Atlantic City signature events, Miss America and Miss’d America.
  • 2022
    My Keys to a Happy Life
    Featured on NBC Nightly Newswith Lester Holt in Spring of 2022.
  • 2022
    Hosted NJ Governor Phil Murphy
    at the top of Absecon Lighthouse to kick off Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey in May of 2022.
  • 2024
    Buddy Passed Away
    at the age of 96 at his Atlantic City home on January 4, 2024. A Celebration of Life was held at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on June 26, 2024, replete with an organ recital from the world’s largest pipe organ and a reception where memories and photos were shared by his family and friends.
  • 2024
    Burried at Sea
    As a former Marine, Buddy was buried at sea on June 27, 2024, 3 miles off the coast of Atlantic City in a ceremony to honor his life, bythe Atlantic City Coast Guard with his family on board.