David William Grow

David W. Grow of Keswick, Va., died September 24, 2023. Dave was born February 12, 1941, in Bradford, Pa., the son of the late William A. Grow and Bernice M. Grow

Dave leaves behind his devoted wife, Carolyn, his sister, Deborah J. Grow, of Grand Rapids, Mich., his niece, Sarah Grow Havens and her husband David, and their children Kennedy and Christopher, all of Rochester Hills, Mich.

Dave received his undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Penn State University in 1962. Upon graduation he was commissioned in the Navy. He served two years aboard the oiler USS Chikaskia, including service in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He often shared that his days in the Navy were the happiest of his life. He earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966.

Dave and Carolyn met in Norfolk in 1964. They were married there in 1967. Before moving to Charlottesville in 1993 they lived in Rochester, NY, for 27 years.

Dave began his career with Kodak in 1966 where he worked for 25 years in Financial Services Management. His choice of Kodak was an excellent match to his lifelong passion for photography.

He loved designing and building their three homes. His love of construction extended to the neighborhood. In Glenmore he earned the nickname, ‘The Inspector’. His other interests included music, skiing, boating, gardening, and history.

After his retirement from Kodak, in 1991, he began a second career in financial planning with American Express in Charlottesville.

David and Carolyn traveled extensively after his second retirement in 2000, both in the US and abroad. Summers included a stay at Chautauqua. Traveling became difficult for Dave after his strokes. In 2011, they settled into a summer home in State College, Pa. They enjoyed it tremendously.

Dave loved Charlottesville and enjoyed his time in Glenmore. In his early days he played tennis. He enjoyed Glenmore’s beauty and many long walks. He was a member of Grace Church and the Glenmore Country Club.

In recent years Dave was a resident at RoseWood Village, where he made many friends.

The family wishes to thank the management and staff at RoseWood Village for providing the community with a fine, caring facility and Dr. David Chesler.

Our appreciation also extends to Hospice of the Piedmont. The combination of RoseWood Village and Hospice of the Piedmont insured that Dave’s final days were peaceful and comfortable.

Dave will be memorialized and buried at sea.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or Hospice of the Piedmont.

Condolences can be left for the family on the Tribute Wall.