Clarence Harold Glover

Buddy was born January 9, 1933 in Lonoke, Arkansas and passed from this world on January 5, 2024 just shortly before his 91st birthday. One of three boys, he was the middle child and was adored by his mother. He certainly adored her back! A crazy cross country road trip landed him in New York City in his early twenties. That very weekend he met his partner, Donald DeFiore, of 52 years and didn’t leave New York until they retired. The DeFiore family took him in and loved him as their own. Along with a number of other folks in New York, like David and Anita Seay, this was the first of his chosen families.

Buddy worked in hospital administration in several large hospitals and also for the United Hospital Fund of New York. He had a long and tenured career in the industry and was beloved (this was a trend of his). He also did some modeling since he was such a handsome man! He wore a suit like it was nobody’s business and had a great head of beautiful dark brown hair! He and Donald owned almost 40 homes, most were purchased solely for means of investment. They were very gifted in this regard and this was long before HGTV! They also owned a few antique stores and traded in the antiques business in some way almost to the end of their days.

It’s been said by one person that Buddy’s greatest accomplishment was that of Uncle (many of you may argue it was that of friend). His beloved niece Teresa believes she is his greatest legacy. She always thought of Buddy as a third parent. Her first visit to see him alone was when she was a young teenager. That began one of her great adventures in life as they planned a trip every year thereafter. With Donald and Uncle, she had her first slice, bagel, broadway show and so much more. She visited them in New York, North Carolina and Florida and always in time to see each home they lived in before they sold it because that could be quick if the price was right. Teresa inherited Buddy’s love of real estate investment, antiques and attempting to cover every part of every wall with something beautiful - even if and especially if it doesn’t match. Mostly, she realizes his success in modeling how to be a great Uncle as she endeavors to be the best aunt ever! If she passes on half the love, generosity and joy that Buddy gave to her, she will be a roaring success to her nieces and nephews. Teresa considered Buddy to be one of the greatest joys of her life and was humbled to be by his side in his last few weeks.

After a few years in Tryon, North Carolina, Buddy and Donald retired in Florida in 2003 where they found another chosen family in their neighborhood of Eagle Marsh and their church, All Saints Episcopal Church in Jensen Beach, Florida. They met Graham and Judy Eley at the pool shortly after moving to Florida. That was the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship and chosen family. Many thought Graham and Buddy were brothers – it must have been a British thing! After Graham’s passing in 2020, Judy was Buddy’s best friend (and sister) and did so much to help him on a daily basis. He would often say that he didn’t know what he would do without her in his life – it was so true! He was also blessed with wonderful neighbors. His church family was the other part of the chosen family. There, he had so many close friends who walked through life with him especially helping him to grieve the loss of Donald in 2010.

At this point and per Donald’s suggestion, Buddy threw himself into the church with his time, talent and treasure. He was the director of the thrift store for 10 years. People from the area came to the store to meet their needs at home and meet the needs of their hearts as Buddy was beloved there as well. He also served as the Senior Warden several times as well as serving in general on the vestry for many years. Leadership was easy for him because people simply wanted to be around him. He retired his position at the thrift store shortly before his 90th birthday only after Diane agreed to take the role. Diane and Charlie asked if they could throw a party to celebrate his retirement; Father Tony quickly agreed and a great

party it was. Don’t forget to look for the sign that says Buddy’s Boutique when you visit the store next time! He didn’t stop with the thrift store. Buddy gathered and delivered bread to Indiantown for many years and was even voted Saint of the year in 2012. We also can’t forget that he provided college scholarships for students as a way to honor Donald. It’s obvious, he lived a long life because he had so much to accomplish! Donald would be so proud of him and Teresa loves to brag on him to anyone who will listen.

Buddy is survived by his beloved niece, Teresa Glover Lamar and her husband Bryan, three nephews, Jimmy Glover (Penny), Tracy Glover (Susan), Terry Glover, his younger brother, Lee, and Donald’s sister, Marie. Buddy was preceded in death by Donald, his parents, Clarence Matthew and Callie Mae Glover, and his older brother, James. He was also preceded in death by one niece, Carol Crawford, who passed far too young. The family would like to thank the dedicated folks at Martin County North Hospital and Treasure Coast Hospice for caring for him in his last few weeks. The memorial service will be held

February 17th at 11:00 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church with a reception to follow. If you would like to celebrate Buddy’s life, please consider a donation to Treasure Coast Hospice.