Mathew Kedric Grover

United States Army Sergeant Mathew Kedric Grover passed away on November 12, 2015, from service-connected metastatic pancreatic cancer.  

Grover was born on June 30, 1979, to his parents, Julie and Terry. He had an older brother, Andrew, an older half-brother, Scott, and a stepmother, Jackie. An active and curious child, Grover enjoyed playing a variety of sports, particularly football, basketball, volleyball, and surfing. A devoted New England sports fan, he passionately supported the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and New England Patriots, and enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia. He also loved cooking and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. That love inspired him to attend and graduate from culinary school. 

On May 19, 2009, at the age of 29, Grover joined the U.S. Army. After graduating from culinary school and working in kitchens for several years, he decided it was time for a change. He wanted to serve the country he loved, meet new people, see the world, and experience new opportunities while building a stable future for the family he hoped to have one day. He enlisted as an M1A1 Tank Crewman, a role he found deeply rewarding.  

Everyone who served alongside Grover spoke highly of him. He was known for his unwavering reliability and exceptional work ethic, approaching every responsibility with dedication and purpose. No matter the task, Grover consistently went above and beyond, giving his full effort and leading by example. The Soldiers under his supervision respected and admired him, knowing he was always available to provide guidance, advice, and support. He was genuinely invested in their success and well-being. 

Throughout his military service, Grover’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence were recognized through numerous awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. 

Grover met his wife, Alison, through an online dating site. She had logged in intending to delete her account when she noticed a message from Grover. On a whim, she decided to give him a chance. They went on their first date on February 25, 2009, and immediately formed a special connection. What was supposed to be a simple dinner date quickly turned into an evening that included a movie and a walk around the mall because neither of them wanted their time together to end. Grover and Alison were drawn to one another by their shared sense of humor, common values, and hopes for the future. From the very beginning, they shared an effortless connection that made it feel as though they had known each other for years, and they both knew they had found something truly special. 

Some of Alison’s most cherished memories of Grover are found in the simple, everyday moments that reflected the love, thoughtfulness, and joy they shared. Because Grover left for Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training just a few months after their first date, much of their relationship was built through handwritten letters. They wrote to one another every single day, and those letters became the foundation of their love story. Alison eagerly awaited each one, carrying them with her and reading them over and over again. To this day, she has saved every letter, and they remain among her most cherished possessions. 

Grover had a remarkable way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. After Alison shared that she had always dreamed of sleeping next to the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve but had never had the chance as a child, Grover quietly made that dream come true. He set up an air mattress beside the tree, and together they watched Christmas movies before falling asleep surrounded by the glow of the lights. That same thoughtfulness carried into their everyday life together. While living in Hawaii, they made a promise to stop dreading the start of each new week and instead make Sundays something to look forward to. Some Sundays were spent making homemade brownie sundaes topped with whipped cream and sprinkles while watching their favorite shows. Other Sundays—Alison’s favorite—were spent ordering takeout and sitting on the beach together, watching the sunset over the ocean. One of her fondest family memories came after their son, Camden, received a small push convertible for his first birthday. The three of them would take evening strolls through their neighborhood, enjoying Hawaii’s beautiful scenery and weather. 

Grover leaves behind a legacy of resilience, optimism, unwavering perseverance, and, above all, deep love and devotion to his family. He was an extraordinary husband and a devoted father who led by example every day. No matter the challenge he faced, he met it with courage, determination, and a positive outlook. Throughout his battle with cancer, he endured countless medical procedures, hospital stays, pain, and setbacks with extraordinary grace. Despite everything he faced, he never complained, choosing instead to greet each day with a smile and an unwavering spirit. His example inspired not only those who knew and loved him, but also many others who learned of his journey. While Grover’s legacy is reflected in all those he inspired, it lives on most profoundly in his son, Camden. Camden is the very image of his father—not only in appearance, but also in his demeanor, sense of humor, and positive outlook on life.  

Alison and Camden honor Grover’s memory every day by keeping his spirit alive in their home and in their hearts. Because Camden was only one year old when his father passed away, he has no personal memories of him. For Alison, it is especially important that Camden grows up knowing the remarkable man his father was. She cherishes every opportunity to share stories that help him build a connection with his dad, and Camden eagerly listens, always wanting to learn more about his father. Together, they participate in programs that support surviving military families, including those offered by the Gary Sinise Foundation, where they connect with others who have experienced similar losses, share memories, and honor their heroes. As Camden grows older, they also hope to volunteer with organizations such as Wreaths Across America, continuing to honor Grover’s service and the sacrifices of other fallen service members during the holiday season. 

One particularly meaningful way Camden recently honored his father was by traveling with his mother to Hawaii just before his tenth birthday. Hawaii is not only where Camden was born but also where Grover spent his final days. Knowing that his father had been an avid surfer, Camden took surfing lessons during the trip. He was a natural and quickly fell in love with the sport. For Alison, watching Camden experience something that had brought his father so much joy was incredibly meaningful. It allowed Camden to feel connected to his father in a unique and personal way—not only by hearing stories about him, but by sharing in an experience that Grover himself had loved. 

United States Army Sergeant Mathew Kedric Grover is lovingly remembered by his wife, Alison; his son, Camden; his mother, Julie; his father, Terry; his stepmother, Jackie; his older brother, Andrew; his older half-brother, Scott; and countless extended family members, friends, fellow Soldiers, and all whose lives were forever changed by knowing him. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Grover family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.