Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Angelo Grova Obituary
Jan. 11, 1944 - July 13, 2019
Resident of Santa Cruz
Angelo Grova passed away peacefully on July 13th, surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Born in Sciacca, Sicily in 1944, Angelo moved to Little Italy in New York City with his father at the age of 4. He served in the army as part of the 82nd Airborne division and, after completing his service, moved to Santa Cruz with his first wife Willow and their two children. He began a lifelong professional pursuit of the arts at Cabrillo College and UCSC before receiving his MFA from Rutgers University in New Jersey. He returned to Santa Cruz in 1976 and had two more children with his second wife, Beverly.
Angelo brought much to the Santa Cruz community through his art and imagination. He worked at UCSC in the bronze casting foundry and taught drawing and sculpture classes for many years, encouraging countless students to greater creative achievement. He founded Art School Santa Cruz and subsequently built Michaelangelo Studios, a gallery he ran for 35 years that promoted the work of hundreds of local artists. He created FashionArt Santa Cruz and celebrated wearable art each September during its 12-year run. You can find Angelo's sculptures throughout the Santa Cruz community, from the healing bell in the Dominican Hospital garden to the 11-foot bronze centerpiece at the Land of Medicine Buddha.
Angelo loved cooking for his family and telling bad jokes, and he was a fierce competitor on his backyard bocce court. His infectious laugh brought everyone around him closer together. A life-long learner, he loved history and culture, and enjoyed sparking up animated discussions on almost any topic. He recently visited Ireland and Japan, and returned to Sicily as often as he could to visit his Italian family. Angelo never missed an opportunity to stop by Peet's Coffee, where he taught his grandson Charlie the importance of good espresso and the correct pronunciation of "biscotti." He drove along West Cliff almost every day and never stopped appreciating the beauty around him. His loyalty to his friends and family is unsurpassed and his unique and dynamic artist's spirit will be forever missed.
Angelo is survived by his wife - Beverly Grova; his children - Nicole Grova, Michael Grova, Monica Grova, and Ariana Hohn; four grandchildren - Zachary Fishman, Kiara Fishman, Charlie Hohn, and Michael Hohn; and numerous other relatives from the West coast to Sicily, all of whom he loved with all his heart.
Condolences may be sent to 542 Highland Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dominican Hospital Foundation, 1555 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz, CA 95065. A memorial service will be held on September 21st at Michaelangelo Studios, more information to follow.
View the online memorial for Angelo Grova
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Angelo Grova
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
lorraine ross
September 25, 2019
I have fond memories of having a bite after class with a few students and ANGE. He was so much fun to be around, I am happy to have taken his class. Rest in bliss my friend and mentor.
Tom Dillenbeck
September 11, 2019
Angelo, RIP. You will be missed. May Kitigarba look down upon us all. Tom D.
Mary Davis
September 1, 2019
Oh no!! Oh no!! Oh no!! I had not heard. I am so sad, as I know his many friends and family are. He was bigger than life. One of those I was sure would go on forever. He was the highlight of every First Friday. Richard and I always made him our last stop, bringing a bottle wine to share and enjoy his stories and his laughter...especially those stories his buddies would share about their wild adventures in their "younger" days. He touched so many with his art and his events, and they will go on reminding us to stay positive for many years to come. Angelo, I know you are smiling down on us with that mischievous twinkle in your eye. Thank you for sharing your short time in this lifetime with us all. Much good karma and many hugs to his family.
Dan Carey
August 13, 2019
Hey Angelo, why did you leave us alone? You were such a bigger than life guy, so creative and can-do. i'm glad you left behind so many cool things to remember you by and touched and inspired so many lives, including mine
sorry you slipped away before i got to bs with you one last time...
Franco Picarella
July 23, 2019
Condolences to Angelo's Family and Friends.
RIP con gli altri angeli, Angelo.
Joelle Vann
July 22, 2019
I'm so sad to hear about Angelo's passing. Angelo was one of my favorite customers during the years I worked at Peet's Downtown. He was always so kind, compassionate, incredibly generous, and really cared about everyone. I loved speaking with him every day and I know with all my heart his kind spirit will be missed by the entire Santa Cruz community -- and beyond. I haven't lived in Santa Cruz in 3 years and I still think of Angelo and his kindness frequently. My condolences and love to his family.
July 21, 2019
A dear friend and art conspirator will be missed for evermore, RIP Angelo.
Dan McF
July 20, 2019
Angelo had a big personality and a set of skills that allowed him to do it all. I miss him deeply as a friend, artist, and teacher.
Dan M
July 20, 2019
Angelo had a big personality and a set of skills that allowed him to do it all. I miss him deeply as a friend, artist, and teacher.
Kalani B
July 19, 2019
I remember you fondly from my time working at Peet's, you reminded me of my Sicilian roots and you were always a kind man, rest in peace.
Tommy Brisley
July 19, 2019
Thank you for everything my friend. I love and miss you!
Serena D.
July 19, 2019
Thank you, Angelo, for countless hours of love, laughter, and inspiration. You will always have a place in my heart as of the most important mentors in my life, and your wit and wisdom are forever a part of me.
Jeff Gabrio
July 18, 2019
Angelo gave the best hugs with the warmest greetings when you ran into him. Very warm loving person he will be missed by his family and all of his friends-Peace be with you until we meet again- Jeff
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Angelo Grova's name
Memorial Events
for Angelo Grova
How to support Angelo's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Angelo Grova's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
