Rob Grote

On Monday, February 8, Rob Grote, 52, of North Adams, MA, shuffled off this mortal coil, surrounded by family and friends. A graduate of Canterbury School and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Rob worked for over 25 years as a restaurant manager, before returning to school to fulfill his dream of a career in education. As a special education coordinator at BART Charter School, Rob was passionate about coaching the basketball team and helping students secure college placement. As director of student services at Martin Luther King Charter School of Excellence, Rob devoted himself to advocating for the needs of all students. He was also very involved in working toward achieving the school’s accreditation.

 A big man, in stature and spirit, Rob brought laughter and memories to every gathering he attended. A voracious reader, Rob loved to learn, to teach, and to debate: philosophy, sports, music and politics, always with keen insight and good humor. His quick wit and loyal nature earned him a large and diverse group of lasting friends. Rob enjoyed spinning a good story, and, even better, a good speech. He never met a microphone he didn’t like, and often served as Best Man (and occasionally, officiant) in the weddings of his brothers and friends. Rob was a champion of the underdog who cared deeply about those who would’ve otherwise felt alone or helpless. Never beholden to a strict schedule, Rob would not hesitate to drop everything to come to the aid of a family member or friend in need.

 Rob relished his roles as husband, brother, father, uncle, and, most recently, as a very proud grandpa. Born in Buffalo, NY in 1963, Rob was predeceased by his father Bob. He is survived by his loving, patient wife of 8 years, Jodi; daughter Regan Madore, her husband Josh, and their daughters Emily and Josie; daughter Shannon Grote, and son Dylan Grote, all of Granby, CT; his mother Nancy Grote of West Lebanon, NH; his siblings Virginia McAllister of Denver, CO, Tom Grote and wife Moe, of Phoenix, AZ, Walter Grote and wife Ann, of Winnetka, IL, Liz Grote and wife Katie Hawke of Freeport, ME, and Andrew Grote and wife Kaitlyn Smith of Weymouth, MA; and 7 nieces and 5 nephews.

 For the past 14 years, Rob and Jodi called the Berkshires home, savoring the nature, culture, and simple life style. They loved their many pets, large and small, playing games, going to concerts, hosting Thanksgiving (several times each year), and tending to their small, bountiful vegetable garden.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob’s name to BART Charter School in Adams MA, or to the Martin Luther King Charter School of Excellence, in Springfield, MA.

Family and friends are invited to join in a Celebration of Rob’s life at 4:30 Saturday, February 13, at the MassMutual Gallery at the Basketball Hall of Fame, in Springfield MA. Hawaiian shirts are optional.