Professor Murray Ellis Grove, described by a former student and colleague as "almost charismatic in the classroom," died Feb. 24 of natural causes at Centre Community Hospital.

Grove, an associate professor of general arts, was entering his 25th year of teaching at the University.

Grove was born in Williamsport on Sept. 30, 1929, and graduated from Williamsport High School in 1949. In 1951 he graduated from Ursinus College. Later, he did his graduate work at Penn State and received his masters degree in 1961. In 1975, he received the Mary Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

After teaching at the Behrend campus in Erie for a few years Grove began teaching as a professor at University Park in 1964.

Prior to his death, Grove taught 800 students in sections of Theater 109 and 115, said Patrick Trimble, University professor of the general arts. Grove's specialty was mass media and popular culture, Trimble said.

Trimble, who has known Grove since 1967 and was once a student of his, said Grove was popular with the students but at the same time he was very demanding.

One of Grove's former students, Jeff Clark (freshman-communication disorders) said "He got his point across well."

Another former student, Kurt Fernsler (freshman-business administration) said "I thought he was a good teacher and he cared about his work."

Grove is survived by his wife, formerly Kathryn L. Williams; six children: David Grove, no address given; Thomas Grove, Coralville, Iowa; Reilly Grove, Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Mary Ann Gerrety, Columbus, Ohio; Judith Grove, State College; and Christina Zinn, Monte Vista, Colo.; one sister, Elizabeth Parvis, Baltimore, Md.; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were performed Rev. Stratford C. Taylor at the Spitler Funeral Home in Montoursville, on Feb. 28. Internment was at the Resurrection Cemetery, also in Montoursville.