Robert C. Grossman

Hardwick - God called home his faithful servant Robert Cooper Grossman on November 2, 2024, at age 62 after a long battle with mental illness. Born in Manhattan, KS to parents Rodney Charles Grossman and Judith Marie Berg, Robert grew up in Lafayette, LA, an excellent student, who played trombone, starred in the city football league and was a proud Boy Scout. He worked as a busboy in Lafayette, LA and in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Robert moved to Hardwick in 1978 to attend Quabbin Regional High School where he played trombone in award-winning Symphonic Winds.
Robert’s first break of mental illness occurred in 1979 before he could graduate; but he received a GED in 1981. For the next 45 years until his passing Robert struggled with mental illness and spent his adult life striving to attain his goals in a blur of health care settings and residences. For a long period, he was able to live a contented life on his own in Gardner, MA attending Mt. Wachusett Community College to fulfill his dream of earning an advanced degree.
Robert was a gifted designer and writer. He read intently, created models of geodesic domes, and wrote short stories based on characters imagined from his days working as a busboy. Besides reading and writing Robert maintained a strong relationship with God and Church. He was fluent with both the King James and Good News Bibles. Through the church, his councilors and peers, and programs like AA and NicA, he found structure and inspiration to stay well and helped others in return.
Robert became known in the mental health community as a powerful advocate for his peers and as a volunteer in recovery and support services like Genesis Club, Kiva Center, and Crystal House. A disabled American, Robert chose to “donate myself to science even if it only helps one person.”
Robert joins his father Rodney Grossman, and leaves behind his mother Judith Kohn, stepfather Henry Kohn, stepmother Louise Trahan, his brother Geoffrey, sister-in-law Maryrose Grossman, and their children, his nephews, Benjamin and Aiden. Robert also leaves behind his friend and the love of his life, Clara Dupel.
A Celebration of Robert’s Life entitled End of Darkness and Return to Light will be held at the Gilbertville Stone Church 283 Main Street, Gilbertville, MA Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 3:00 pm. Pastor Nathan Pederson of the Tri Parish Community Church of Hardwick New Braintree and Gilbertville will lead the service, and Peter Krasinski will play the church’s historic pipe organ.
Optional Soup and Social begins before the service at 1:30 and dessert will follow the 3pm event. All are welcome.
A prior celebration to include the larger mental health community will take place at the Worcester Recovery Center Hospital Chapel 309 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA on December 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm.
Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St. in Ware assisted with his care.
An online tribute book is available at charbonneaufh.com