Dr. Richard F. Grossman

Dr. Richard F. Grossman was born September 1934, in Romania, the only child of Jewish-American parents Alexander and Betty Grossman. With increasing danger in Europe the Grossmans returned to New York where they lived in the Bronx and Queens.  Young Richard attended The Kohut School where he excelled in academic studies. He entered Far Rockaway High School in Queens New York having matriculated two years faster than the usual course of education. Being two years younger than his high school classmates continued development of his charismatic personality.

With scholarships and ROTC Richard went off to Cornell University in Ithaca New York. His initial major was pre-Med until an unfortunate biology class with the dissection of a cat assigned. Horrified, he promptly changed his major to Chemistry with a minor in English Literature. The Korean War interrupted his studies, following which the Veteran Richard returned to Cornell and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in June of 1955.

Richard next went to Harvard University in Cambridge Massachusetts and began graduate studies in Chemistry.  Before he could finish graduate work there Alexander Grossman fell too ill to work and Richard returned home to help support the family until Alexander retired. Alexander and Betty moved to Florida and Richard moved to Indiana to continue graduate studies at Perdue University from which he earned a Doctorate Degree in Chemistry.

Dr. Richard F. Grossman had an illustrious career in the Polymer and Synthetic Rubber industry working for Anaconda Wire and Cable, Polymer Services Incorporated, Polysar, and the Hammond Group among others. He held many patents, and was an active member of the Polymer Modifiers and Additives Division of the Society of Polymer Engineers (PMAD of SPE). He was also a consultant and was called on as an expert witness in cases involving technical aspects of polymers including a high profile case regarding hanging chads created by election equipment in Florida in 2000.

Richard was married to his first wife Martha L. Snitker from the early 1960s to the late 1970s. Richard and Martha had originally met when they were both students at Cornell. Amongst friends they were lightheartedly referred to as ‘Nichols and May’ due to their humorous exchanges. He was married to his second wife Christiane W. Foley from the mid-1990s until her passing in 2011. They enjoyed traveling and the arts; they often cruised and attended classical music and dance performances.  Subsequently Richard enjoyed supporting local community operas with his dear friend Mary Ann.

Richard had a charismatic personality, expansive communication skills, a great sense of humor, and a love of reading, travel, and the arts. Richard is survived by his children Allen Grossman (Married to Kelly Grossman), and Jana Nakata (Married to Henry Nakata). To cherish his memory, he also leaves the following grandchildren: Alex, Mark, Victoria, Matthew, Alyssa, Michael, and Olivia. Additionally, innumerable family and dear friends continue to cherish their time with him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The National Endowment for the Arts, 400 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20506 (202.682.5400) https://www.arts.gov/about/make-a-donation-online