Obituary of Timothy Charles Groves

Timothy Charles Groves, 48 - Timothy Charles "Tim" Groves, 48, of West Orange passed away on Sunday September 8, 2013. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Ave., in West Orange on Friday , September 13, 2013 for the Funeral Mass at10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery in Union. Arrangements are entrusted to The Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street, West Orange Visiting will be Thursday from 2-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim's name to the Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tim was born in Orange and was a lifelong resident of West Orange. He was a West Orange Police Officer for the past 14 years. Tim was a Graduate from the New Jersey State Police Academy, Sea Girt Class #200. He was a member of the Police Unity Tour. He was Program Coordinator for the youth of West Orange, coordinating: Hook on Fishing Not Drugs, Junior Police Academy, and the Bicycle Rodeo. As a Police Officer he was awarded: 2001 Life Saving Award, Command Citation-Apprehending Burglary Suspect, 2001 Essex County Valor A Award, 2009 Essex County Valor Scholarship "B" Award, 2009 West Orange Police Officer of the Year, 2010 Essex County "A" Award, 2009 200 Club Valor Award- Outstanding Action in the Line of Duty, 2009 Christian Love Baptist Church Community Service Award, 2011 West Orange Elks Citizen of the Year for recognition of Exceptional Contribution to Youth Development program within the Township of West Orange, and the Elks Distinguished Citizen Award- outstanding meritorious service to humanity. Tim was a volunteer with the Special Olympics and because of his participation in the Polar Plunge, Plane Pull, Torch Run, and all of his efforts, he was given the honor to run the torch into the arena to begin the state games of the Special Olympics XXXXX. Tim was the beloved son of the late Timothy F. and Emilia Groves. Loving brother of the late Edward Groves. Cherished nephew of Sharon and Al Sitnik, Diane and Ron Miller, Frank and Nicci Groves, Marilyn and Barbara Caccavella, Rachel Fano and Lenore Wolke. He is also survived by many cousins. He was pre-deceased by his grandparents: Frank and Harriet Groves and Margaret and Charles Vazzano. Tim will be greatly missed by his many friends and "brothers" whose lives he touched in so many ways.