Obituary for Robert D. Grossman
Robert D. “Bob” Grossman, 81, well-loved Auburn resident, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 26, 2021, in the comfort of his home and in the loving presence of family.
Born in Winchendon and raised in Athol, Bob was one of three children born to the late Samuel and Mollie (Krupnick) Grossman. He graduated from Athol High School, where he excelled at baseball and basketball, then attended and graduated from Worcester Junior College. The Chicago White Sox actually made him an offer to play on their farm team, where he played semi-professionally for a short time. He then graduated from University of Miami, in Coral Gables, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Business, specializing in Marketing and Merchandising. While in Miami, he was a member and brother of AEPi (Alpha Epsilon Pi) Jewish Fraternity at the University.
Bob began an extensive career at R.H. White, as a retail buyer, later working for several local retail companies. He then began his career at Seder Food Corporation in Palmer, dedicating 19 years of hard work and leadership in his role as Vice President of Purchasing before retiring. During his retirement, Bob worked as a driver for Diamond Automobile Dealership in Auburn, which he enjoyed.
Bob was most well-known in Auburn for his sizeable role in town politics, serving on the Board of Selectman for six terms, and was elected Chairman three times.
In his free time, Bob was an avid golfer, and even played on the Knights of Columbus #4158 Golf Team, where he was an “Honorary Jewish Knight.” He enjoyed being a member and volunteering for the Auburn Lodge of Elks, and being a member of the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Above all, his family meant the world to Bob.
He leaves his devoted wife of almost 52 years, Heather S. “Bonnie” (Sutherland) Grossman; his loving daughters, Wendy L. Grossman, of Auburn, and Amy C. Repik and her husband Josh, of Greenwich, CT; his grandchildren, whom he adored, Ryan and Paige Repik; his brother, Jerry Grossman and his partner Betsy, of York Harbor, ME; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children (Mail to: Development Office, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104) or to the Stacie Jude Angers Scholarship Fund, c/o Auburn High School, 99 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA 01501.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family between 4:00 and 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, where masks and social distancing will be required. Services and burial will be held privately for the family.
Born in Winchendon and raised in Athol, Bob was one of three children born to the late Samuel and Mollie (Krupnick) Grossman. He graduated from Athol High School, where he excelled at baseball and basketball, then attended and graduated from Worcester Junior College. The Chicago White Sox actually made him an offer to play on their farm team, where he played semi-professionally for a short time. He then graduated from University of Miami, in Coral Gables, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s degree in Business, specializing in Marketing and Merchandising. While in Miami, he was a member and brother of AEPi (Alpha Epsilon Pi) Jewish Fraternity at the University.
Bob began an extensive career at R.H. White, as a retail buyer, later working for several local retail companies. He then began his career at Seder Food Corporation in Palmer, dedicating 19 years of hard work and leadership in his role as Vice President of Purchasing before retiring. During his retirement, Bob worked as a driver for Diamond Automobile Dealership in Auburn, which he enjoyed.
Bob was most well-known in Auburn for his sizeable role in town politics, serving on the Board of Selectman for six terms, and was elected Chairman three times.
In his free time, Bob was an avid golfer, and even played on the Knights of Columbus #4158 Golf Team, where he was an “Honorary Jewish Knight.” He enjoyed being a member and volunteering for the Auburn Lodge of Elks, and being a member of the Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Above all, his family meant the world to Bob.
He leaves his devoted wife of almost 52 years, Heather S. “Bonnie” (Sutherland) Grossman; his loving daughters, Wendy L. Grossman, of Auburn, and Amy C. Repik and her husband Josh, of Greenwich, CT; his grandchildren, whom he adored, Ryan and Paige Repik; his brother, Jerry Grossman and his partner Betsy, of York Harbor, ME; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children (Mail to: Development Office, Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104) or to the Stacie Jude Angers Scholarship Fund, c/o Auburn High School, 99 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA 01501.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family between 4:00 and 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, where masks and social distancing will be required. Services and burial will be held privately for the family.