Friday, Sept. 8, College of William and Mary Interim Associate Vice President for Business Affairs Sean Hughes sent an email to students announcing the passing of Raymond A. Mason School of Business building support worker John Grober. According to his obituary, Grober passed away on Aug. 30 at 67 years of age at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia.
“He led with empathy, humility and compassion because he lived his life that way,” Hughes said in the email. “He made the people around him feel significant, like they belonged, demonstrating one of the university’s most important values.”
Grober first started working at the College in 2016, beginning as a custodial worker for the facilities department. In 2017, he transitioned to his role as a building support worker at the Mason School of Business. According to Hughes’ email, Grober was also a United States military veteran who previously served in the Air Force and was cherished by faculty and staff at the College.
“Although he had been ill for some time, John kept working because he didn’t want to let his co-workers or his customers down,” Hughes wrote. “He was a servant leader in everything but job title.”
A memorial service for Grober was held on Sept. 9 at the C.C. Carter Funeral Home. Flowers can be sent to his family at the funeral home website.
