KENT—Former Fairfield County Catholic photographer John Glover, 64, passed away suddenly last Friday in his home in Kent.
A full obituary including funeral arrangements will be released as it becomes available.
Glover joined Fairfield County Catholic in 1998 as staff photographer at the invitation of Dr. Joseph McAleer, Executive Editor.
Please read this tribute by Dr. Joseph McAleer, former editor of Fairfield County Catholic and friend of John Glover:
Remembering John R. Glover (1954-2018)
He was larger than life—literally and figuratively.
John Glover was a gentle giant. He was built like a line backer but had a sweet, sensitive nature. Gregarious to a fault, he would engage perfect strangers on a wide variety of topics. He was a man of broad knowledge and strong opinions, always insisting—stubbornly, maddeningly—that he was right.
Funny thing is, he usually was.
John served as the official photographer of the Diocese of Bridgeport for 12 years. In that capacity, he visited every single parish, Catholic school, Catholic Charities location, and major event, often clad in his signature attire: white dress shirt, blue shorts, and brown moccasins (even in winter). Nuns in particular loved him.
John was not Catholic, but he was our Church’s best ambassador. You could not meet a man more respectful of the Mass. Sensitive to his outsize presence, he took care to be discreet. He was unhappy when people were not paying attention or talking during Mass. John would gently advise a priest to put on his jacket or straighten his collar so as to make the best impression.
Dr. Joseph McAleer & John Glover
A favorite of then-Bishop Egan, John followed him to New York and on to the Vatican when Cardinal Egan received his red hat. Those present in St. Peter’s Square that bright February day will remember looking up at the top of the colonnade with pride and seeing John, in white t-shirt and shorts, pointing his lens at the crowd. He also represented the Diocese on official press trips to Jordan and Israel. Upon retiring from Fairfield County for greener pastures in Kent, John travelled widely across the United States, photographing churches for commemorative diocesan publications, including a landmark book on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
John did not suffer fools gladly. Woe the person who was discourteous or overreaching. He would fearlessly argue with T.S.A. agents at the airport, or demand an explanation why the I.R.S. was asking so many questions. He approached a state trooper in line at the Post Office, wanting to know why she was carrying a firearm; she nearly took him out.
Well-intentioned but intense, John demanded a respect that most of us have given up expecting. He was unique, and how blessed we are for having basked in his very bright light.
