From Two Wars to Beating Stage 4 Cancer: Mountainside's Teddy Grossi Honored at 99

Teddy Grossi has been recognized as one of Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s 2026 Seniors of Distinction, an honor reflecting his nearly seven decades of service, dedication, and resilience in the Mountainside community.

Now 99 years old, Grossi is a longtime Mountainside resident who has lived in the township for 26 years. He was nominated for the recognition by Mountainside Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak, who highlighted his military service, commitment to union members, devotion to his family, and remarkable perseverance through a serious health challenge.

Grossi served in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War. His military service laid the foundation for lifelong dedication to his community and the people around him.

Following his military career, Grossi dedicated many years to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He served approximately seven years as a union leader before retiring, earning the union's Craft Award in 1995 in recognition of his dedication and exceptional service to fellow members.

In his personal life, Grossi has built a legacy centered on family and simple acts of devotion. He recently celebrated his 99th birthday. His marriage to his wife, May, lasted 65 years—a testament to lifelong partnership and commitment.

Today, Grossi finds purpose in everyday moments. He lives with his daughter, for whom he regularly prepares meals. His granddaughter and her family live next door, and Grossi extends his care to them as well. Cooking remains one of his greatest passions, a skill he developed while serving in the Army that has become a way he expresses love and devotion to the people he cares about.

Grossi tends to his flowers and maintains an active presence in his home and neighborhood. However, over the past year and a half, he faced a significant health challenge after being diagnosed with Stage 4 urothelial cancer. He underwent surgery and treatment and is now cancer-free.

Looking ahead, in March 2027, Grossi is expected to ring the bell marking the end of this phase of his treatment and the beginning of maintenance care—a milestone moment for healing and hope.

Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Seniors of Distinction program recognizes outstanding older adults in Union County who exemplify service, achievement, and community contribution. Grossi's recognition reflects not only his military and professional accomplishments but also his everyday commitment to his family and neighborhood.

FAQ

Q: Who is Teddy Grossi?

A: Teddy Grossi is a 99-year-old Mountainside resident who has lived in the township for 26 years. He is a World War II and Korean War veteran, former union leader with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and a devoted family member known for his cooking and gardening.

Q: Why was Teddy Grossi recognized as a Senior of Distinction?

A: Grossi was recognized by Rep. Tom Kean Jr. as a 2026 Senior of Distinction for his military service, commitment to union members, devotion to his family, and remarkable perseverance through a serious health challenge. He was nominated by Mountainside Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak.

Q: What is Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s Seniors of Distinction program?

A: The Seniors of Distinction program recognizes outstanding older adults in Union County who exemplify service, achievement, and community contribution. It honors seniors who have made significant impacts in their communities and personal lives.

Q: When did Teddy Grossi serve in the military?

A: Grossi served in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War.

Q: What was Teddy Grossi's union career?

A: Grossi dedicated many years to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He served approximately seven years as a union leader before retiring and received the union's Craft Award in 1995 for his dedication and exceptional service to fellow members.

Q: How long was Teddy Grossi married?

A: Grossi's marriage to his wife, May, lasted 65 years, reflecting a lifelong partnership and commitment.

Q: What are Teddy Grossi's passions?

A: Cooking and gardening are among Grossi's greatest passions. He developed his cooking skills while serving in the Army and uses cooking as a way to express love and care for his family. He regularly prepares meals for his daughter, granddaughter, and granddaughter's family.

Q: What health challenge did Teddy Grossi face?

A: Over the past year and a half, Grossi was diagnosed with Stage 4 urothelial cancer. He underwent surgery and treatment and is now cancer-free.

Q: What is significant about March 2027 for Teddy Grossi?

A: In March 2027, Grossi is expected to ring the bell marking the end of active treatment and the beginning of maintenance care—a milestone moment celebrating the completion of his cancer treatment phase.

Q: How long has Teddy Grossi lived in Mountainside?

A: Grossi has lived in Mountainside for 26 years and is deeply embedded in the community.

Q: Does Teddy Grossi have family nearby?

A: Yes. Grossi lives with his daughter, for whom he regularly prepares meals. His granddaughter and her family live next door, creating a multi-generational neighborhood presence centered on family care and devotion.