Grover Cleveland Gentry, Jr.

AUBURN – Grover Cleveland Gentry, Jr., 76, of Bancroft Street, died peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester, in the loving arms of his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nancy N. Nims-Gentry of Auburn; two sons, Garrett W. Gentry of Southbridge, and Brandon M. Gentry and his wife Molly of Austin, TX; two stepsons, Michael D. Day and his partner Michalyn Ethier of Cambridge, VT, and Ryan A. Day and his wife Amanda of Manchester, NH; a brother, Greg Gentry of Maricopa, AZ; a sister, Diane Bates and her husband Greg of Cambria, CA; and six grandchildren, Mya Gentry, Olivia, Lexi, and Emma Day, and Philip and Adam Day.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, son of the late Grover Cleveland and Anne (Plekan) Gentry Sr., and lived in Auburn since 1998. He graduated with honors from Mater Dei High School in Santa Anna, CA. He received his bachelor's degree from UCLA in Psychology in 1970. During his second year at UCLA, he became president of the Acacia Fraternity. He later received a dual master’s degree in psychology and speech pathology from UMass Amherst.

Mr. Gentry was a special education administrator at public schools in multiple communities throughout his career. In addition, he was a real estate broker in Massachusetts, working for several agencies for many years. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Auburn, where he also served as president of the Church Council and was active in the Men’s Group cooking many dinners. He was also active with the Couples Group.

He loved to cook, eat, and traveled extensively with Nancy. He enjoyed his dogs and loved spending time sitting on the deck in his backyard. He will be remembered for his loyalty, honesty, and kind-hearted nature. He had a great sense of humor, and his laughter was contagious. He was sincere, genuine, caring and loved life.

Children were always special to him. During his career in special education, he always wanted to see the children succeed. Though he cared about everyone, he was especially devoted to his wife Nancy, and was proud of the accomplishments of his sons and stepsons. The highlight of his life were his grandchildren, whom he cherished most of all.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Auburn. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Auburn. Calling hours are Tuesday from 9:30 -11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 90 Bryn Mawr Ave., Auburn, MA 01501.

Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.