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Grouse was born in Danbury. He was a lifelong resident of the Danbury area. He spent his younger years in Bethel, graduating from Danbury High School in 1943. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he opened Drew's Drive-In, a popular spot for teenagers in the 1950s, at what is now North Street Shopping Center. His career included working at Cold Mix Asphalt as office manager in New Milford and at Bird Motors Volkswagen in Danbury.
He was a founding member of the Grassy Plain Drum Corp in 1936. He was a drum teacher and mentor to many young aspiring musicians. He founded and played for Jazz for Juniors at local venues, and founded a fund through the Scholarship for the Arts to recognize young, aspiring musicians. After retiring from the car business, he became an Assistant Counselor at Cornerstone of Eagle Hill in Sandy Hook.
Grouse is survived by his wife, Arlene Couture Grouse; sons, A.J. Grouse (Wilfred) of Guilford and K.C. Grouse (Lisa) of Brookfield; daughter, Kim Grouse Kuzek (Murray) of Phoenix, Ariz.; sister, Sandy Marquis of Newtown; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Ethel Beale and Andrew J. Grouse; son, Andrew Grouse III; and sisters, Betty Jean Grouse and Joan McAllister.
Services are private and there are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT, Inc., 39 Old Ridgebury Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.
For more information, please visit: http://www.thegreenfuneralhome.com
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