Geoffrey Grove of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away on May 7, 2025, at the age of 55 from kidney cancer. A steadfast friend and cherished community member, Geoff leaves behind a legacy of integrity, kindness and warmth that will live on in all who knew him.
Born on June 3, 1969, Geoff dedicated his career to serving others — in the Vermont Army National Guard Mountain Battalion, at the May Institute as a counselor, as a paraeducator at Essex Middle School, and, finally, as a U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer. His commitment to his team and mentoring others earned him deep respect from colleagues.
Geoff had close to 30 years of service as a Freemason in Vermont. He served as Worshipful Master of Washington Lodge No. 3 Free & Accepted Masons, as well as the former Burlington Lodge No. 100. Additionally, he served as an appointee to the Grand Lodge of Vermont as District Deputy Grand Master for Vermont Masonic District 5. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Burlington. Geoff was an intuitive Masonic mentor and teacher, bringing wisdom, humility and humor to the craft and inspiring brothers with his leadership and fellowship.
Geoff was much more than this, though. He was Uncle Geoff to his beloved chosen family. He was Hagrid — towering in stature and heart alike, with a love of animals and dragons. His gentle spirit and unwavering loyalty made him a guardian to friends and family and an instant favorite of every dog he ever met. He loved reading and crossword puzzles, trivia nights with friends, and a good hearty laugh. Geoff had a rare gift for making people feel safe, seen and accepted.
He is survived by his mother, Mary-Ellen (Oborne) Grove, and his sister, Anne (Grove) Van Natta; his Uncle David and Aunt Lee Oborne and Aunt Roslyn Griffiths; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial and Masonic service honoring Geoff’s life will be held on May 18, 2025, 1 p.m., at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home in Essex Junction. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, the Heavenly Pantry Food Shelf in Essex Junction or the Wounded Warriors Project.
He will be deeply missed by those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through his work, his kindness and love — and we will remember him with every chicken wing we eat.
This article appears in May 7-13, 2025.
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