Mountainside's Teddy Grossi Turns 99 on September 11

When asked how he would like to be remembered, Teddy Grossi did not begin with his service during World War II or the Korean War. He did not mention his long career as a union bricklayer, his 64-year marriage, or his remarkable recovery from Stage IV cancer.

His answer was much simpler.

"If I was there and you needed me, I would help you," Grossi said.

At 98 years old, preparing to celebrate his 99th birthday on September 11, Teddy Grossi has lived through nearly a century of history. Yet the lessons that guide his life are rooted in values learned as a child in Johnstown, Pennsylvania: protect your family, work hard, respect your name, have faith, and help people whenever you can.

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A Community That Looked Out for One Another

Grossi was born in Johnstown to Jasper and Maria Grossi, Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the early 1900s. The household was full—Teddy was one of five boys and four girls. He remembers Johnstown as a diverse community where families of many nationalities lived alongside one another and neighbors watched over each other's children.

"It was like a melting pot of the world. All nationalities and people… everybody got along," he said.

The greatest influence in his life was his mother, Maria. Though she had only a third-grade education, Grossi said she possessed extraordinary wisdom.

"She said, 'Your name is everything. Don't dirty your name,'" Grossi recalled. "If you have a good name, you have everything."

She taught her children to recognize their blessings and share them with others. "If somebody needs help, you help them, because somebody helped you," she told them—a lesson Grossi has carried for nearly a century.

Service in War, Duty to Country

War brought profound loss to the Grossi family. His brother Joe was killed in Normandy during World War II. A brother-in-law was killed in the Pacific.

Grossi was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18 and served near the end of World War II. He was later recalled to active duty during the Korean War. Because his younger brother was already serving in Korea, Grossi was kept stateside and stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He remembers his mother sitting in the kitchen crying when the recall notice arrived. He understood her fear, but his response reflected the sense of duty that has remained with him throughout his life.

"You've got to do what you've got to do. This is your country, and you do what you have to do to protect it," he said.

Military service forced him to grow up quickly. "When you're in the service, there's no mother, no father, no sisters, no brothers to guide you. Six months later, you're a man," Grossi said.

Building a Life of Pride and Purpose

After his service, Grossi built a career as a union bricklayer and eventually became business manager of Local 3. The work was demanding—a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day responsibility that sometimes required him to serve as marriage counselor, legal adviser, and more to union members. But he loved it.

"Everybody sees your finished work. They go by and say, 'That's a beautiful brick job.' You take pride in your work," he said.

He was equally proud of the apprenticeship programs that trained young people in the trade, proper tool use, and workplace safety. Union members also donated their skills to community projects, including the construction of local 9/11 memorials.

"Somebody in the community needs help, we help them. We donated our time because this is what we do. We help the community," he said.

A Marriage Built on Love

Grossi met his future wife, May Mariano, when she lived about a block away. They dated for approximately three years before marrying. They were married for 64 years before she died at age 90.

Their marriage was happy but realistic. "We fought occasionally. Everybody does," he said with a laugh.

They followed one important rule: If they had an argument during the day, they would kiss and make up before going to bed. "Life is not guaranteed. It's a gift. We're only passing through," Grossi said.

The couple had one daughter, Donna, after waiting approximately five years to become parents. Today, Grossi's family includes two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He speaks of his daughter with warmth and gratitude, appreciating the care she gives him.

Faith Through Crisis

In 2024, while visiting Italy, Grossi felt unwell. Two weeks before Christmas, severe pain led Donna to take him to the hospital. Doctors discovered cancer in one of his kidneys. The kidney was removed on January 6, 2025. He later learned the cancer had spread extensively through his body.

Then, on the same day as his surgery, his granddaughter placed his newborn great-granddaughter in his arms.

"When she put the baby in my arms, something happened. I said, 'I've got to beat this animal that's in me. I've got to be there,'" Grossi said.

Grossi began treatment, relying first on a wheelchair, then a walker, before walking on his own again. A visiting nurse discovered that a tumor protruding from his side had disappeared. Subsequent tests brought increasingly encouraging results until his doctor delivered the news: Grossi was cancer free.

Grossi credits his medical team, his family, those who prayed for him, and his own faith. "I believe in the power of prayer. Having faith in God; that's where you get your strength," he said.

Before becoming ill, Grossi attended Mass nearly every day. While recovering, he watched Mass on television. Once he regained his strength, he returned to church. "As long as I'm feeling good, I go to Mass every day," he said.

A Simple Legacy

Today, Grossi can no longer perform the yardwork and physical tasks he once handled easily. But he has accepted these limitations and found new ways to contribute. He now cooks every day for his family and the family living next door—something he genuinely enjoys.

After nearly 99 years, his life remains guided by the lesson his mother taught him in Johnstown so many decades ago. When asked how he wants to be remembered, Grossi answered with the same clarity and simplicity that has defined his entire life.

"If I was there and you needed me, I would help you," he said.

Discover more Mountainside community stories and profiles on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who is Teddy Grossi?
A: Teddy Grossi is a 98-year-old Mountainside resident preparing to turn 99 on September 11. He is a World War II and Korean War veteran, retired union bricklayer and business manager of Local 3, and a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who has dedicated his life to service.

Q: Where is Teddy Grossi from originally?
A: Grossi was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Italian immigrant parents. The family moved to New Jersey when he was 16. He has lived in Mountainside as an adult.

Q: When did Teddy Grossi serve in the military?
A: Grossi was drafted into the U.S. Army at 18 and served near the end of World War II. He was later recalled to active duty during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Q: What was Teddy Grossi's career?
A: Grossi was a union bricklayer and served as business manager of Local 3. He trained apprentices in the trade, proper tool use, and workplace safety, and led community service projects including 9/11 memorials.

Q: Who is Teddy Grossi's family?
A: Grossi was married to May Mariano for 64 years until her death at age 90. They had one daughter, Donna. He has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Q: Did Teddy Grossi have cancer?
A: Yes. In December 2024, Grossi was diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer that had spread throughout his body. He underwent surgery on January 6, 2025, and completed treatment. He is now cancer free.

Q: What is Teddy Grossi's philosophy on life?
A: Grossi believes in service to others, family first, hard work, faith, and respect for individual people regardless of race or religion. His life has been guided by his mother's teaching: "If somebody needs help, you help them."

Q: What does Teddy Grossi do now at 98?
A: Grossi attends Mass daily when feeling well and cooks every day for his family and the family living next door.