RIP: Former Ohio Bishop J. Clark Grew II dies at 86

Former Ohio Bishop J. Clark Grew II/ Facebook

[Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev. J. Clark Grew II, who was bishop of the Diocese of Ohio from 1994 to 2004, died Dec. 22, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was 86.

The diocese said in announcing his death on its Facebook page, “We in the Diocese of Ohio are grateful for his faithful ministry with and for us during his episcopacy. He will always be remembered and honored here.” It added, “In our prayers, we surround the family with love and commend Bishop Grew to God’s eternal care.”

Grew was born in New York City on Dec. 20, 1939, and was named after his great uncle, Joseph Clark Grew, who was the U.S. ambassador to Japan during World War II.

After graduating from Harvard in 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy for five years, including as the 52nd commander of the U.S.S. Constitution, which was first launched in 1797. He then taught in private schools until entering Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 1978.

He served churches in Westwood, Massachusetts, and Lake Forest, Illinois, before his election as bishop of Ohio in 1993 and his consecration in 1994. During his tenure as bishop, he was known for his support for greater inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ people in the church.

He also served as head of Episcopal Divinity School’s board, and he received an honorary doctorate from the seminary in 1997 for his pastoral and prophetic leadership

In retirement, he returned to Boston and was involved with Epiphany School and with St. George’s School in Newport, Rhode Island.

He is survived by Wendy, his wife of nearly 53 years; three children; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister and a brother.

His funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Jan. 31 at Emmanuel Church in Boston.