Donald C. Grove

Donald Cooper Grove, a retired official of the Food and Drug Administration, died on January 23, 2010 at his home. He was 100 years old. Born in Baltimore, MD on June 4th, 1909, he was the son of the late, Vernon C. and Sally E. Thompson Grove. He was married to late Myrtle Harrison Jefferson for 56 years. They had one daughter, the late Betty Grove Collins who was married to Dr. George E. Collins. From this marriage five grandsons and one granddaughter were born, Gregory S. Collins, Belinda D. Levine, Glenn S. Collins, George C. Collins, Geoffrey E. Collins and the late Garry S. Collins. He had 12 great-grandchildren. In 1929 Dr. Grove graduated from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore after earning a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. After graduation he continued his studies at the Pharmacy School, going on to earn an M.S. and then in 1932 a PhD. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. While in graduate school he was also an assistant instructor at the Pharmacy School. Upon receiving his PhD., Dr. Grove took a job with the Food and Drug Administration. During his time at the FDA, Dr. Grove held various positions and worked on projects such as the safe and efficient production of antibiotics and treatments for malaria. At the time of his retirement from the FDA in 1965, he was the assistant director of the Bureau of Biological and Physical Sciences. After his retirement from the FDA he worked as a consultant to various Pharmaceutical companies through the mid-1970’s. Upon his second retirement he became a volunteer in the community, explored his artistic talents, and spent time with his family. He served on the Board of Directors at the Easton Academy of the Arts, volunteered for the Red Cross and the Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, drove for Meals on Wheels, and served as an escort for Easton Memorial Hospital auxiliaries, pushing patients in wheelchairs until he was into his mid 90’s. As an artist he painted in oil and acrylic, drew with pastels, and sculpted in clay. His finest works however were the water and songbirds he carved and painted – winning First in Category (amateur decorative miniature) at the 1977 Ward Foundation World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition. A true renaissance man, Dr. Grove was a husband, a father and grandfather, a tennis player, a teacher, a scientist, an author, an artist, and a volunteer in the community. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church in Easton on February 27th, 2010. Dr. Grove’s family will be greeting guests starting at 12:30 and the service will begin at 1:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Easton Memorial Hospital. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton.

Donald C. Grove

June 4, 1909 - January 23, 2010