Born in Booneville, Indiana on 1 June 1925 to Herman & Lena Grossman. Last surviving of four brothers.
Entered US Navy V-12 Program 1 Nov 1943. Stationed at University of Oklahoma where he earned Varsity Letter in Basketball. Discharged from Navy June 1944 to enter USMA Class of 1947.
Earned numerals and “B” squad football, Major “A” in basketball. Also Brigade Volleyball Intermural Champs two years. Cadet Lt.
Commissioned in Signal Corps. After Ft. Riley and Signal School, stationed with 25th Division in Osaka, Japan. Met and became engaged to Katharine K. Kean, daughter of Lt Gen (then MG) William B. Kean. Accompanied 25th DIV to Korea July 1950. Earned BSM and battlefield prom to Captain. Commanded 25th Signal CO (over 400 Officers and Men) prior to rotation back to US. Kay and he finally married 21 July 1951 after nearly three years courtship. Stationed at University of Illinois for two years. Rec’d MS degree in Electronic Engineering. Spent two years in Electronic Warfare Ft. Monmouth, NJ and Ft. Huachuca, AZ. Back to Ft. Monmouth for Advanced Course and overseas to Heidelberg, Germany. Finally promoted to Major, spring of 1957. Resigned from the Army June 1958. Adopted daughter Kathy in 1957 and son Jim in 1959.
Worked for RCA Corp. as Engineering Supervisor for four years. Spent sixteen years with Martin Marietta Corp as Engineering Program Manager. All assignments in Space and Defense Electronics. Spent a year with Applied Devices developing a Totalizer System for Parimutuel Wagering - Dogs, Horses, and Jai Alai. Worked for International Laser Systems and Schwartz Electro-Optics for ten years. Was a part time consultant from 1987, on smart weapons and weapons simulation systems, before retiring in the late 1990’s. Lived in Winter Park, Florida from 1962 until 2006, when he moved closer to family in Greenville, SC. Has three grandsons and two great-grandsons.
Memorial Services to be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, 17 November 2018 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on 200 Cannon Street, Greer, SC 29651. Interment will follow at 4:00 PM, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, on 2402 Gentry Highway, Pickens, SC 29671
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Restoration Fund.
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