Benjamin Franklin Glover

Benjamin Franklin Glover, a former resident of Carmichaels, Pa. and Nemacolin, Pa., passed away on Monday, October 30, 2023.  He was 90 years of age.  Ben is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth (Libby) Glover, son Greg Glover, daughters Cynthia Plummer, Cheryl Parker and Jennifer Smith. He had 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ben was preceded in death by his father, William Harry Glover (1948), his mother, Maude Louise Herrington Gotch (1988), brothers Bill, Harry, Jim and sisters, Cecilia Wilson and Dawn Reposky.

Raised in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Ben was actually born in Inglewood, California on August 29, 1933 while his family vacationed in the southland.  He graduated from Cumberland Township High School in 1951 and attended both Waynesburg College and West Virginia University. He served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1956.  Ben married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth "Libby" Prebonich in 1952. They moved the family to California in 1960.  Ben was a professional musician and a music educator for more than 30 years.  His California teaching career began in Earlimart with assignments following in Garden Grove. After a one year temporary contract in Baltimore, Maryland, Ben returned to California and was named head of instrumental music at Santa Ana College.

During his years at SAC, Ben led the marching band, concert band and dance band/jazz ensemble.  He also developed and instituted a jazz appreciation curriculum.  Ben hosted a multitude of world-famous musicians as guest artists with his bands in concert. He was also famous for leading numerous concert tours to Hawaii where his bands regularly performed at U.S. military bases and resort hotels. In 1973, Ben’s marching band participated in a good-will tour to Mexico City including a command performance at the Olympic Stadium.

Retiring in 1993, Ben maintained residences in both California and Pennsylvania. An avid golfer, Ben enjoyed playing on both coasts.  As a professional trumpet player, Ben led and played in multiple bands supporting a variety of social functions. His crowning achievement was serving as official bugler for both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts. He was awarded lifetime membership in both organizations for his dedicated service performing for hundreds of military funerals and official ceremonies.

Ben leaves behind a legacy of inspiring countless students to learn, grow and achieve greatness in music and in life. He will be missed, but his lifetime of selfless commitment, humor and goodwill will endure for generations.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Laurel Point Cemetery, Carmichaels, Pa.  The Rev. P. Keith Larson will officiate.  Military honors will be accorded by the U. S. Army and the Greene County Honor Guard.