Robert V Groves

Robert Victor Groves, 83 of Norwood, Massachusetts passed away on August 27, 2023 in Dedham, MA.

Robert, known as Bob to his family and friends, was born in Boston, MA to Victor and Mary (Wallace) Groves on June 16, 1940. He grew up in Roslindale and attended school in Jamaica Plain.

He graduated from Boston State with a teachers degree before being commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He served in the Army for 4 years and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. He was very proud to have served his country and to be a veteran.

He owned and operated Longwood Kennel in Brookline, MA. He served that community for more than 4 decades.

Bob was very handy and became a professional wallpaper hanger and elite interior and exterior painter.

Bob deeply loved and was loved deeply by all his family and friends. He cared for both his parents through terminal illnesses with incredible compassion and patience. He attended countless birthday parties, sporting events, graduations and celebrations for his siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

Bob enjoyed his trips to Coastal California and his homeland of Ireland.  Bob enjoyed many trips to Phoenix to be with some of his favorite cousins. Sedona was one of his favorite places on earth.

Bob was so proud of the family legacy cottage in Maine, which he built together with his father and brother-in-law Norris and other family members. Bob cared for and maintained the cottage for more than 40 years, preserving it to be enjoyed for generations of his family to come. He made annual trips to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.

Bob was a faithful Catholic his entire life. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and always loved his trips to Fenway Park.

Bob was preceded in death by father Victor, Mother Mary, Nephew Chris Johns, Cousin Patti Bradshaw, and Sister Barbara Johns. 

Bob is survived by: his sister Susan MacKenzie of Milton, MA, brother Steven Groves and his wife Betsy of Worcester, MA; brother-in-law Norris Johns of Foxboro, MA and many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces and even a great-great nephew. Bob is also survived by his very good friends of more than 40 years, Michael McLoughlin and Marc LeBrun.

The family of Robert Groves wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Shirley MacKenzie for being Bob’s primary caregiver for the last year.

May God Bless you and Rest in Peace. 

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours in the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Tuesday September 5, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held in Highland Cemetery, Norwood at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob’s love of animals with a donation in his name to the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.