Canton Assistant Coach For Special Olympic Richard “Dick” G. Grove Passed Away Leaving Behind His Extended Family And Community!
A quiet and proud hero of Canton
October 10, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 10, 2026
Richard “Dick” G. Grove, a former assistant coach and a longtime resident of Canton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 72.
While the exact cause of his demise has not been publicly disclosed, reports suggest that he passed away peacefully.
Richard “Dick” G. Grove Was An Assistant Coach For Special Olympics Basketball!
Richard, a proud member of the Canton High School Class of 1971, was born on April 10, 1953, in Avon to Gayle and Jessie Grove.
He served in the Air National Guard and dedicated his career to the Canton Fire Department.
In 2013, he retired after serving honorably for many years.
Additionally, he was active in the Canton Elks Lodge #626, coached Special Olympics basketball, and helped raise funds for the St. Jude Runs.
A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, he found joy in sports and giving back to the community.
Regarding his marital life, he married Sharon Cook in 1974, and they shared 46 loving years until her passing in 2026.
He is survived by his children, Jeremy and Tonya Grove; grandchildren Kaley (Jacob), Dalys, and Hunter; and great-grandchild Oakley Lancaster.
Likewise, he leaves behind his siblings, including Mike, Chuck, Greg, Sandra, and Enola.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Bob, Jim, and Gary, and one sister, Rosemary.
As a retired firefighter, Air National Guard veteran, and longtime supporter of local causes such as Special Olympics and the St. Jude Runs, Dick left a lasting impact on those around him.
He spent his final days at The Loft in Canton, surrounded by the town he cherished.
The community of Canton, Illinois, and his extended family are mourning the loss of Richard with deep respect and heartfelt tributes on social media.
The shared a heartfelt message and announced the details of his funeral and celebration of life.
on Tuesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery.
Additionally, the Alumni Association encouraged members and the wider community to attend and celebrate Dick’s life.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Richard “Dick” G. Grove’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
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Sangita is a passionate blogger with a keen eye for covering recent and trending news, particularly in the world of sports. Her love for travel and nature fuels her writing, adding a vibrant and refreshing perspective to her work. When she's not chasing the latest headlines, Sangita can be found exploring new destinations, capturing the beauty of nature, and sharing her adventures with her audience. Her unique blend of interests and expertise makes her blog a go-to source for both news enthusiasts and fellow travelers.
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