Shrewsbury – Henry “Hank” G. Grosse, 65, of Shrewsbury, joined his beloved childhood sweetheart and wife of 24 years, Eileen “Ike” (Villatico) Grosse, in Heaven Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.
Hank leaves his only beautiful daughter, Ayla R. Grosse; a sister, Jane Grosse Fiumara, wife of the late Fred Fiumara of Rockport; a brother, John J. Grosse and his wife Deborah of Worcester; the Villatico family; many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins; dear friend Tammy Chiarizio; and countless friends and supporters.
He was born in Worcester, son of the late, Henry G. and Antoinette (Cangello) Grosse. He called Shrewsbury Street in Worcester home for many years, before moving to Shrewsbury with his wife, Ike, to raise their daughter.
It was on the East Side that Hank grew up, met the love of his life, and created many lifelong friendships. He was so proud of his accomplishments, including overcoming addiction, marrying “his Eileen,” and raising his pride and joy Ayla, otherwise known as “the kid.”
Hank co-authored “The East Side of Addiction” with childhood friends, bringing to light an epidemic in a tight-knit community that could only be overcome by strong bonds of friendship, recovery, and hard doses of reality. He was a popular speaker in the halls of the 12 step program. He continued the legacy of compassion and dedicated his life to helping others.
Hank will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and his sincerity. His smile preceded him wherever he went, and his acts of kindness linger in the hearts and memory of those who knew him.
Calling Hours for Hank will be held Sunday, Nov. 27, from 2-6 p.m., in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral will be held Monday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m., in Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Tpke. (Route 9 east), Shrewsbury (please proceed directly to church). Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Grosse Memorial Fund, c/o People’s United Bank, 491 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA 01604. The funds raised will be donated to cancer and addiction recovery charities dear to both Hank and Eileen.
