Berkshire County musician David Grover, known for his work with folk rocker Arlo Guthrie and his dedication to making music for children, has died at 69. Born in Pittsfield, Grover was a staple of the county’s music scene, from his 40 years of performing weekly summer concerts for young people in Great Barrington to countless events around the community. His career highlights include producing critically lauded children’s programming for PBS, including “Chanukah At Grover’s Corner.”
Terrence Hall – better known as Terry a la Berry – played with Grover for years in various permutations after they first met at 13 years old, performing at the Berkshire Playhouse for “Threepenny Opera.”
“[He was] very funny at times, and really serious about the music that he wanted to create," a la Berry told WAMC. "That was the work side, but then we traveled the country, all over the place, went everywhere, and got to see and share so many incredible places from the Grand Canyon to the White House. He was literally my best friend for a very, very long time.”
David A. Grover (January 8, 1952 - November 3, 2021
David A. Grover, age 69 of Lee MA, passed away on November 3, 2021 of complications following a car accident, at St. Elizabeth’s hospital in Utica, New York. David was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a musician and songwriter whose career spanned 5 decades and included touring with Arlo Guthrie and then his own Big Bear Band, as well as numerous recordings, television shows and awards. Music was indeed his passion. His greatest expression of this was writing and performing for children which he did from coast to coast for 40 years. He loved fishing and was an avid reader. He particularly loved reading history and philosophy.
David leaves his wife of 17 years Kathy Jo Grover, his a step-son Michael Wartella, and 3 Grandchildren, Althea Grover of Lee, Isabella Kent of West Stockbridge and Hunter Wartella of Stockbridge. Additionally he leaves his stepmother Marilyn Gerhard and her husband Michael of Pittsfield, and his siblings, Philip Grover of Adams, Michael Grover and his wife Elizabeth McNitt of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Donna Grover and her husband Jim of Lee, Adrianne and Heather Grover both of Pittsfield, as well as thirteen nieces and nephews.
David was predeceased by both of his parents Pauline Herrmann and Henry Grover of Pittsfield. He also lost his brother Paul Grover, his niece Justina Coe, and his beloved daughter Jessica Lee Grover.