Mountainside Veteran Teddy Grossi Honored as 2026 Senior of Distinction by Rep. Tom Kean Jr.

Teddy Grossi has lived a life of service. From his military service in World War II and the Korean War, to his years as a union leader, to the meals he prepares for his family today at 99, Grossi has embodied a simple principle: "If you needed me, I would help you."

This week, that commitment was honored. Grossi was recognized as one of Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s 2026 Seniors of Distinction, a recognition that celebrates remarkable individuals in his district. Grossi was nominated by Mountainside Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak for his military service, union leadership, family devotion, and perseverance through serious health challenges.

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

For the past 26 years, Grossi has called Mountainside home. He recently celebrated his 99th birthday. He finds purpose in a skill he developed in the Army: cooking. He regularly prepares meals for his daughter, with whom he lives, as well as his granddaughter and her family, who live next door. He was married to his wife, May, for 65 years.

Over the past year and a half, Grossi faced his most challenging test. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 urothelial cancer. He underwent surgery and treatment with the same determination that carried him through two wars. Today, he is cancer-free. In March 2027, he will ring the bell marking the end of this treatment phase and the beginning of maintenance care—a moment that will celebrate not just medical recovery, but a lifetime of perseverance.

Congressman Kean presented the 2026 Senior Distinction Award to Grossi, alongside his daughter and Mountainside Councilwoman Donna Pacifico.

For Union County Life readers, Teddy Grossi is a reminder of what a life of service looks like—across decades, across challenges, and across generations of family who benefit from his commitment to being there when needed.

FAQ

Q: Who is Teddy Grossi?

A: Teddy Grossi is a 99-year-old Mountainside resident and World War II and Korean War veteran. He is recognized for his military service, union leadership, family devotion, and perseverance through serious health challenges.

Q: What is the 2026 Senior of Distinction award?

A: The 2026 Senior of Distinction award is presented by Rep. Tom Kean Jr. to recognize remarkable individuals in his district who have made significant contributions to their communities through service and commitment.

Q: Why was Teddy Grossi nominated for this award?

A: Grossi was nominated by Mountainside Senior Citizen Coordinator Kim Moriak for his military service in World War II and the Korean War, his years of union leadership, his devotion to family, and his perseverance through serious health challenges, including Stage 4 cancer.

Q: What was Teddy Grossi's military service?

A: Grossi served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War. His service reflected his commitment to helping others, expressed in his personal principle: "If you needed me, I would help you."

Q: What was Teddy Grossi's union role?

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

Q: How long has Teddy Grossi lived in Mountainside?

A: Grossi has lived in Mountainside for 26 years and recently celebrated his 99th birthday.

Q: What health challenges 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 currently cancer-free. In March 2027, he will ring the bell marking the end of this treatment phase and the beginning of maintenance care.

Q: What does Teddy Grossi enjoy doing?

A: Grossi finds purpose in cooking, a skill he developed while serving in the Army. He regularly prepares meals for his daughter (with whom he lives), his granddaughter, and her family (who live next door).