Louis Grower

GROWER Louis "Red", on November 22, 2007, of Hackensack. Born at home in Paterson, NJ, January 1, 1911 - the youngest of William and Gussie Grower's five children - attended local public schools - early signs of athletic interest - Played all sports starting in grammar school. Graduated from Eastside H.S. in 1929 - varsity letters in football, basketball and track - Captain of the basketball team - made All County in football and basketball Received an athletic scholarship to New York Military Academy - earned varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball and track - captain of the New York Military Academy basketball team - winner of academic as well as athletic awards - graduating third in his class and receiving the "Laidlaw Cup", the school's highest award to each year's most outstanding athlete - earned mention in New York Military Academy's 50th anniversary yearbook as the school's most outstanding athlete in the last 50 years. Received an athletic scholarship to Rutgers University (1931-1935) - varsity letters in football, basketball and track - also pitched for the Rutgers freshman baseball team - Captain of basketball team and one of few three lettermen in the class of 1935. During all school years, played football and basketball for the Paterson Y.M.H.A. - honored with a special "Award Night" for outstanding achievements and contributions to the Y's athletic program. In 1935 appointed to the physical education department of Central High School, now John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson - remained until early retirement in 1969 - coached football, basketball and track - memorable achievements were Central High School's first county basketball championship in 1952 and stopping state champion Bloomfield High School's winning streak in football in 1938. Received a Master's Degree and PhD equivalency from Columbia University. Served 42 months during World War Two as enlisted man and Officer - coached service basketball teams and became First Chief of Physical Reconditioning at Percy Jones General Hospital, Battle Creek Michigan, one of the nation's few army hospitals designated for the rehabilitation of war amputees. From 1949-1975 owned and operated Pine Crest Day Camp with wife Shirley and their four children, all of whom have teaching experience Honored by the Y.M.H.A. of North Jersey with induction into inaugural group of the Y's Athletic Hall of Fame. Honored by the Old Timers Association of Greater Paterson for Athletic Contributions to the Youth of the City. Retired in 1976 and kept busy as an avid collector of antique tools and sports memorabilia. Survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley, and four children: Cindy and her husband Steve Stromberg, Gabrielle Grower, Debi and her husband Gary Presslaff and Genie Sasson. Also survived by seven grandchildren, Jason, Scott and Amanda Stromberg, Petal Grower, Alana Presslaff, Jeffrey and Sabrina Sasson. Arrangements are by Louis Suburban Chapel, Fair Lawn, NJ.