Ken Glover

December 10, 2023

Mu, 1969

We share our sadness in announcing the death of Kenneth R. Glover on December 10, 2023.

March 12, 1949, was a memorable day for Kenneth S. and Mary Glover as they added a new addition to their Stanhope, New Jersey family to include the birth of their son, Kenneth Raymond. In 1952 the family expanded, welcoming Ellen May on March 21.

Ken grew up in his parent’s convenience store, Ken’s Luncheonette, in Stanhope, selling hot lunches and dry goods. Of course, growing up in a restaurant allowed him to order off the menu, hence his love for burgers. He played in the high school swing band called “The Velvetones.” Ken graduated from Netcong High School in 1967.

He went on to college at Newark State, now Kean University, in Newark where he met the love of his life, Josephine Lombardo. They quickly became college sweethearts and upon graduating college they married on August 21,1971 and moved to Elizabeth, NJ. After a year of teaching at Malcolm X Shabazz High School, Ken and Josephine moved to Long Branch on the Jersey Shore and decided to start a family. They welcomed their first child, Kenneth Patrick on March 17,1976. After moving to New Brunswick in 1980, they welcomed their new arrival, Kristopher Alan on July 20,1982.

Ken continued to teach music, but he couldn’t ignore his passion to perform, joining the band “Crystal Ship” in the late seventies. He toured up and down the east coast and played bass for the band’s show “Renaissance of the Doors.”

The young family moved to Toms River where Ken went back to teaching music for Howell’s Performing Arts program followed by Point Pleasant Beach High School. He taught and led their high school bands, theater programs and chorus groups for many years before moving to Antrim Elementary School where he shared his love of music with his younger students, teaching them to read quarter, half and whole notes.

During his time in Toms River, Ken was very involved in his community, coaching Little League baseball for several seasons and playing music at events for people with special needs. 

The “1019” house, as Ken and Josephine would come to call it, was the summer party house for family and friends. If anyone needed a place to stay on the way to Atlantic City, fishing for the day, or just a beach getaway, “1019” was the place. Ken loved when his home was full of life.

Ken and Josephine became the consummate grandparents when Ken and Sheila welcomed their daughter Katie into the world, followed by Kenny and Will. Kristopher and his wife Daynne later expanded the Glover clan, welcoming Mollea and Mack. 

After Ken’s retirement, he and Josephine bought a house in Boynton Beach, Florida where they became snowbirds, traveling home to NJ during the summer and holidays to spend time with their children and grandchildren. He was happiest playing the keyboard or guitar when the family would come over for holidays or Sunday dinner. In Florida, he was very active and could be found on the golf course, pickleball court, tennis court or softball field. Ken loved to travel, taking several cruises with Josephine to the Caribbean, Cuba and Mexico. Ken never lost his love of performance, returning to Toms River several times a year and playing in a duet at restaurants up until a few years ago. 

Ken was most proud of his grandchildren and inspired them with his love of music, as they continue to play instruments in their schools’ bands. He and Josephine could be found cheering on their grandchildren in the stands, watching the band perform at HS football games, at band concerts and parades, on the sidelines of flag football and basketball games, on the golf course, and from the shoreline at Girl Scout canoe races.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Kenneth S. Glover and Mary “May” Glover, sisters-in- law, Connie Schepis, and Rose Gigliuto, and brothers-in-law, Santino Gigliuto, and Pietro Lombardo. He is survived by and will always be loved and remembered by his beloved wife of 52 years, Josephine; his sons, Kenneth and Sheila of Toms River, NJ, and Kristopher and Daynne of Toms River, NJ; and his grandchildren, Katie, Kenny, Will, Mollea and Mack. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Lewis (Mike) of Little Rock, AR; brothers-in-law, Anthony Lombardo (Carol Ann) of North Brunswick, NJ, Santo Lombardo (Rose) of Flanders, NJ, Frank Lombardo (Ann Marie) of Hackettstown, NJ, sisters-in-law, Mary Lombardo of North Brunswick, NJ, Virginia Terrizzi (Pietro) of North Brunswick, NJ. The list of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues and students whose lives he’s impacted is long and will allow Ken to remain present in our hearts and minds until we meet him again. Memorial contributions may be made to Toms River Education Foundation whose goal is to keep extra curricular programs fully funded (www.tredfoundation.org).  

There will be a Memorial Service for Ken on Sunday, December 17 at 5:00 at Battle River Brewing, 69 Main Street, Toms River. Casual attire.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth R Glover, please visit our floral store.

Arrangements and private cremation are under the direction of Riggs Funeral Home, 130 North Rt. 9, Forked River, NJ 08731.