Martin Anthony Grosso Jr.

Martin Anthony Grosso Jr.

February 6, 1949- September 27, 2022 (73)

Tega Cay, SC- Martin (Marty) Grosso was born on a bright, winter day in Montclair, NJ.  He was the son of Martin Grosso and Florence (Doncoes) Grosso and began his journey to kindness and generosity right from the start.  He was a little boy full of mischief who liked to play tricks on his Uncle Boots and loved to run around with his neighborhood friends on McCosh Rd.  He was the oldest of three children and always looked out for them.  He attended Clifton High School where he met the love of his life, Dianne (Manzo) Grosso, during their senior year.  Their first date was a hay ride in October, and he asked her to the prom by December. They maintained a long distance relationship while Marty attended college at Memphis State University (Memphis University) where he received a degree in business administration, and they were married the October after he  graduated and returned to New Jersey where they would be unified for the next fifty years.

Marty started his career at Donna Steel Corporation when he was sixteen where he honed his skills as a steel fabricator and manager for several years, culminating in company leadership.

He later developed his skills in sales with several steel companies where he made many lifelong friendships that he cherished.  Marty was the kind of salesman that people loved to see because he always had a smile and tin of cookies.  He was also an incredible designer of steel kiosks that still proudly stand on the streets of New York City.

A lifelong Clifton, NJ resident, Marty was very involved in the lives of his son, Tony, and his daughter, Gina.  He was a little league coach and softball coach, as well as a class father for countless years at School #5.  He loved cheering his kids on at their theater performances and choir concerts and was always happy to lend his artistic hand to their poster projects.  He taught Gina everything she knows about cooking and was particularly incredible at making lasagna and potato salad.  He passed his handyman gifts on to Tony; there was never a car problem or home repair he couldn’t conquer. He loved fixing cars, found freedom on his motorcycle, and adored watching Hallmark movies.  He was a fisherman and lover of classic cars, doo- wop music, and nature.  He loved going out to dinner and having special lunches with Dianne and traveling to their favorite beach spots in Florida and frequenting the Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his six grandchildren who he was so proud of. His family meant everything to him, and he loved his son in law, Forrest, and daughter in law, Julianne, as if they were his own children.

Marty and Dianne retired to Tega Cay, SC after 48 years of working tirelessly, in December of 2018.  Marty’s work ethic was second to none and his generosity was unparalleled.  He spent the last few years taking on a new hobby of woodworking and loved to fish at Windjammer Park with his grandson. While dialysis may have slowed Marty down, his zest for life and sense of humor never faded.  His good nature and kindness persevered and until he took his last unexpected breath, people truly adored him.  A more honorable and gentle man has never lived, and the legacy he leaves behind to his wife, children, and grandchildren is to always keep hope in their hearts and to find the silver linings in even the most difficult situations.  He was an eternal optimist who found positivity and happiness every day.  He loved fiercely, and he truly was the best.

He passed away suddenly in his home on September 27, 2022 but was surrounded by love in his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne; son, Anthony (Julianne) Grosso and their children Sophia, Annabella, Anthony, Francesca and John; daughter Gina (Forrest) Doane and their son James; brother, Gary Grosso; sister, Deborah Janiec; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date where we will celebrate Marty’s beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Kidney Fund or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.