Richard Glover

Richard Glover, 72, of Madison, WI, died peacefully on April 7, 2023, at his home after a brave and courageous journey with cancer.

Rich was born in Chicago, IL on January 28, 1951, to William and Michalina (Samborski) Glover. He graduated from Central High School in Salem, WI. His post-secondary education began with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature from UW Parkside (1970-1974). During this time, he developed a deep love for carpentry work; much of what he learned was from his father.

In 1974, he married Carmella Grunewald. They spent several years in Gunnison, CO sharing their love for skiing and the outdoors. He completed a carpentry apprenticeship at that time. Rich and Carmella relocated to Madison where Rich obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from UW Madison (1982-1985) and became a father to two daughters, Bonnie and Shelley.

Rich worked for several architectural firms in Madison, including Flad and Associates and Planning. He then decided to fully pursue his passion for carpentry work. He first worked for his friend Bill Muir and continued the relationship after he started his own company, R.M.Glover Construction Services. He focused on small home remodeling and historical restoration. He was methodical and meticulous in his craftsmanship and produced beautiful and timeless work.

What made Rich the most proud was being a father to Bonnie and Shelley. He was often heard saying, "raising my daughters was the absolute greatest joy of my life."  He could be found watching, coaching, managing, or volunteering at any number of their athletic endeavors over their formative years. He was an incredible ski technician and was often tuning skis until the early morning hours before his daughters’ downhill races. After Shelley died in 2004, he co-founded the Shelley Glover Foundation with Carmella, an organization dedicated to providing athletic and educational opportunities to youth of all ages.

Rich spent many weeks over the years visiting his daughter Bonnie and sharing their love for the mountains and skiing. Rich was kind, supportive, thoughtful, and generous with his time. He was always willing to listen and make a meaningful connection. He also had a keen sense of humor. Outside of being a father, he found great joy in listening to his extensive record collection, raising, and caring for his late dog Toby, watching football and basketball games, reading, collecting artwork, and spending time with his partner, Sara Golbach. He recently became a grandfather to Iris and enjoyed spending time with her, especially reading.

He is survived by his partner Sara, daughter Bonnie Glover, son-in-law Brian Zuleger, granddaughter Iris, and ex-wife Carmella Glover Jayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Michalina, brother, William, sister, Johanne, and daughter, Shelley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shelley Glover Foundation https://shelleygloverfoundation.org/

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

Speedway Road

608-238-3434