Mountainside Honors Teddy Grossi, 99, for Military Service, Leadership, and Perseverance

At 99 years old, Teddy Grossi carries a lifetime of service. Congressman Tom Kean Jr. recently recognized that legacy, presenting Grossi with a 2026 Senior of Distinction award.

A Life of Service

Grossi served in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War. After his military service, he dedicated many years to the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, including approximately seven years as a union leader before retiring. In 1995, the union recognized him with its Craft Award.

Mountainside Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak nominated Grossi for the honor. The nomination highlighted his service to his country, his commitment to fellow union members, his love for his family, and his perseverance through a serious health challenge.

A Guiding Principle

Asked about the principle that has guided his life, Grossi put it plainly: "If you needed me, I would help you."

That philosophy shaped not just his career but his everyday life. For 26 years, Grossi has called Mountainside home. He lives with his daughter, Donna Pacifico—who also serves as a Mountainside Councilwoman—for whom he prepares meals, a skill he first developed while serving in the Army. His granddaughter's family lives next door.

Grossi was married to his wife, May, for 65 years. They built a life rooted in family connection and community.

Strength Through Challenge

In recent years, Grossi was diagnosed with Stage 4 urothelial cancer and underwent surgery and treatment. He is now cancer-free. In March 2027, he is expected to ring the bell marking the end of treatment and the beginning of maintenance care—a milestone that symbolizes resilience and hope.

He tends to his flowers as well, a source of purpose and quiet joy.

The Honor

Congressman Kean presented the award at an event attended by Grossi, his daughter, and Moriak. Renee M. Trabert, special projects coordinator in Kean's office, described the award as a way to recognize "the many outstanding older residents who continue to give so generously of their time and talents."

Grossi recently celebrated his 99th birthday. His life exemplifies the power of service, family, and perseverance.

Union County Life covers Mountainside residents and community honors as part of its ongoing coverage of Mountainside and the other 20 Union County municipalities.

Find more Mountainside profiles, community news, and local honors on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who is Teddy Grossi?
A: Teddy Grossi is a 99-year-old Mountainside resident recognized for his military service, union leadership, and commitment to his family and community.

Q: What military service did Teddy Grossi perform?
A: Grossi served in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean War.

Q: What was his career after military service?
A: After the Army, Grossi worked for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, serving as a union leader for approximately seven years before retiring.

Q: What award did he receive recently?
A: Congressman Tom Kean Jr. presented Grossi with a 2026 Senior of Distinction award, recognizing his service and contributions.

Q: Who nominated him for the award?
A: Kim Moriak, Mountainside's Senior Citizen Coordinator, nominated Grossi. The nomination highlighted his military service, union commitment, family devotion, and perseverance through health challenges.

Q: How long has Grossi lived in Mountainside?
A: He has lived in Mountainside for 26 years.

Q: Who is in Grossi's family?
A: Grossi's daughter, Donna Pacifico, also serves as a Mountainside Councilwoman. His granddaughter's family lives next door. Grossi was married to his wife, May, for 65 years.

Q: Has Grossi faced health challenges?
A: Yes. Grossi was diagnosed with Stage 4 urothelial cancer and underwent surgery and treatment. He is now cancer-free.

Q: What is his next health milestone?
A: In March 2027, Grossi is expected to ring the bell marking the end of treatment and the beginning of maintenance care.

Q: What is Grossi's guiding life principle?
A: Grossi lives by the principle: "If you needed me, I would help you."

Q: What are his interests or skills?
A: Grossi prepares meals (a skill he developed while serving in the Army) and tends to his flowers, which provide him purpose and joy.