Richard O. Groves

Richard “Dick” O’Neal Groves, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2026, after a brief but grueling illness. He was 79 years old.

Dick was born on September 13, 1947, in Washington, DC, to Robert “Bob” and Joan Groves. Alongside his younger sister, JoAnn, he lived a charmed and blessed life, constantly surrounded by love and affection. Hospitality was a family legacy for Dick. He learned much of what he knew about the hotel industry from his father, who had himself been mentored by legendary hotelier Conrad Hilton. That early influence sparked a lifelong passion for the business and led to a distinguished 35-year career with Hilton Hotels Corporation, where Dick held senior executive positions in New York, New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Along the way, he helped lead some of the country’s most recognized properties, including the Palmer House Hilton, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, San Francisco Hilton, and Hilton Atlanta.

Perhaps what Dick loved most about his career was not simply the business itself, but the people and the opportunity to share what he had learned. He loved to “talk shop,” and no one enjoyed those conversations more than his son, Bobby. Passing along his knowledge, stories, and passion for hospitality—and watching Bobby carry that family legacy forward through his own career—was a tremendous source of pride and joy for him.

Bobby and Dick spoke on the phone at least twice a day, often during Bobby’s drives to and from work. Bobby would ask questions, seek his dad’s perspective, and absorb the years of knowledge and experience Dick was always eager to share. But beneath the conversations about hotels, business, and life was something even more important: they simply loved hearing each other’s voices. Those twice-daily calls became a cherished rhythm in their lives and a reflection of the deep connection they shared.

For all of his professional accomplishments, Dick was, at his core, a family man—steadfast, generous, protective, encouraging, and completely devoted to the people he loved. Above all, he was Kathy’s husband and life partner. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with family, friendships, travel, laughter, and countless memories. Through every season of their life together, they remained devoted to one another, and the love they shared was the foundation of the family they built.

Dick was a devoted father to Bobby and Jenna, but one of his greatest joys came later in life when he became “Grandpa” to Connor, Jackson, Hayden, Maeve, and Finley. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and was especially proud to see the Groves name continue into the next generation. He loved spoiling them, bending the rules, and giving them permission to have just a little more fun than their parents might have allowed.

Dick’s love of sports was another important thread throughout his life. Basketball was his first great sporting passion. He played in high school and college and even had a brief stint in the pros. More than a game, basketball became a language he shared with his daughter, Jenna. Together, they ran drills inspired by Hoosiers, studied the teachings of legendary coach John Wooden, and worked on everything from dribbling and layups to a classic game of H-O-R-S-E. They played together on the basketball court at the Hilton Atlanta and, decades later, on the blacktop at his own grandchildren’s elementary school.

Those moments—just a father and daughter—became some of Jenna’s most cherished memories. Dick wasn’t simply teaching her how to play basketball; he was teaching her about discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of getting better at something you love.

In his later years, Dick leaned wholeheartedly into his other great sporting passion: golf. He relished his time on the course with his golf group—the competition, the camaraderie, the $1 bets, the post-game burger, and simply being outside playing a game he loved. Golf became a source of friendship, laughter, and routine, and he embraced every bit of it.

Dick also continued to give his time and experience to the community, serving on the Board of Directors of Lenbrook Life Plan Community in Atlanta. In a poignant full-circle moment, Lenbrook became the community that cared for Dick in his final days. The place to which he had once given his time, leadership, and service ultimately gave that care back to him and his family. His family will always be grateful for the exceptional compassion, dignity, and love the Lenbrook community showed him.

As we say goodbye, we find comfort in imagining where Dick must be now—his body whole and strong, walking the back nine with his beloved dad and sharing an ice-cold Arnold Palmer on a beautiful veranda with his sweet mom.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; his son, Robert “Bobby” Groves, his wife, Megan, and their three children, Connor, Maeve, and Finley; his daughter, Jenna Lindholm, her husband, Ed, and their two children, Jackson and Hayden; his sister, JoAnn Lyman; and countless extended family and friends.

His family and friends will carry his love, his lessons, his stories, and his legacy with them always.

He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed.

Family invites everyone to celebrate Richard's life,

Where: Nikolai's Roof at Hilton Atlanta (30th Floor), 255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

When: Friday, October 16th - 10:30 AM to 12 PM

For overnight hotel needs, please reach out directly to Kathy, Bobby or Jenna.