Ronald F. Grossman

Husband of Ruth for 66 years, devoted parents of Lauren (Peter) Vitulli, Stephen (Jane), and Ira (Betsy). Grandfather to Lauraly, Eric, Alison Herro (Carl), Amanda, and great grandfather to Clara Herro. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Irving and Sophia Grossman, and his brother Phillip Grossman (Teri).

Ron, a lifelong resident of Chicago, spent his formative years in the city before relocating to Wilmette in 1965. He attended Kozminski Grammar School, Hyde Park and South Shore High Schools, followed by the University of Illinois for both his undergraduate and law degrees. After passing the Bar exam he established the law practice Grossman and Mitzenmacher, and during the 1970s, he transitioned to trading at the Chicago Board of Trade. Ron had a complex relationship with Chicago politics, the Chicago Bears, and the White Sox. He didn’t rest until completing the crossword puzzle each day. He reveled in his ability to sail, bike, and golf along Lake Michigan.

His friendships from various facets of his life, many of which lasted over 70 years, endured through regular engagements such as weekly lunches at Costco, gatherings with the Koz group, meetings with the ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), Saturday morning breakfasts in the city, and Sunday morning coffee clutches. These connections were maintained throughout his lifetime.

Ron valued his family and embodied humility, hard work, knowledge, discipline, loyalty, and honesty. In his free time, he enjoyed competitive sailing, biking through harms woods and the lakefront, golfing, ice skating, traveling, and skiing. He shared his love of adventure with Ruth and his family, exploring various parts of the world, driving across the country, biking the East Coast, and celebrating their 50th anniversary on a Mediterranean family cruise. Ron also brought his family together for Jewish holidays, hosting and leading the Seder.

He was proud to support his community by volunteering for the Wilmette planning commission and zoning boards for more than 20-years, and by serving as a model train conductor at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He was a founding member of Am Yisrael.

Ron was never idle, always busy with his mind and hands. He could fix anything from clocks to washing machines. A lifelong learner and avid reader, he enjoyed engaging conversations and debates. He was generous with his time and knowledge, never hesitating to help friends or neighbors with repairs or drafting contracts.

Ron will be profoundly missed and always remembered. A service will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 AM at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL, 60091.

The family will sit Shiva on Wednesday 11/20 and Thursday 11/21 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the home of Stephen and Jane Grossman, 1002 Oakhurst Lane, Riverwoods, IL 60015.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Northshore Senior Center (https://www.nssc.org/donate), an organization close to his heart.