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Henry Grosse Obituary
Shrewsbury - Henry "Hank" G. Grosse, 65, of Shrewsbury, joined his beloved childhood sweetheart and wife of twenty-four years, Eileen "Ike" (Villatico) Grosse, in Heaven, on Monday, November 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, 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. Hank 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 life-long 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. Hank was a popular speaker in the halls of the 12 step program. Hank 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 on Sunday, November 27, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be held on Monday, November 28, at 10 a.m. in Saint Anne's Church, 120 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east), Shrewsbury, (please proceed directly to church). Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 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 Street, Worcester, MA 01604. The funds raised will be donated to cancer and addiction recovery charities dear to both Hank and Eileen.
There is an online register for sharing stories or leaving condolences, it can be found at
www.mercadantefuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Grosse
Paul Pezzella
August 10, 2022
Everyday every month and every year that passes your missed by this of us who loved you.
Paul Turco
December 4, 2016
John, Jane and Ayla
My sincere condolences. Although I haven't seen Hanky in 30 years it seems like yesterday I heard his voice and laughter. You always knew when he was around, his presence was felt and his personality was bigger then life. Proud to have know Hanky and how he helped so many people with their lives. Sincerely will miss him.
Paul and Joyce Turco
Angela and Joe Simone
November 30, 2016
Love You May he rest in peace.
Dan Doyle
November 29, 2016
I have known Hanky since high school. It would be impossible to quantify the amount of joy that he brought to others, including me. Countless gifts of kindness and wit to everyone who crossed his path. My sincere condolences to Ayla over the loss of a great person and a great Dad.
Dan Doyle
West Hartford, Connecticut
Melissa Cesaitis
November 29, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss Hank was a great guy who always had a smile on his face when we seen him our thoughts and prayers go out to the family may he Rest In Peace and fly with the angels.. all your friends at Mac's Diner
Tony Fulginiti
November 28, 2016
My older brother Michael and Hank were the best of friends...two people that are deeply missed but whose compassion for family and friends will carry on in spirit...also I know they were two of the funniest people on this earth..if there is a heaven ..watch out!......
Jane Phillips
November 27, 2016
Dear Ayla, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You are in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. With Love & Peace, Jane Phillips & family
Dawn & Dan Battista
November 27, 2016
Ayla, Jane, John, Deb, & family,
So saddened to hear of Hank's passing. A lifelong friend that will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rest in peace Hank.
Dianne Pedone
November 26, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Hankie's family & friends, news of his passing was sad. Eileen and Hankie are together once again, and hopefully that will bring you some peace. Two special people gone to soon. Sincerely,
Nadia Egan
November 26, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with Henry's family. Rest in peace to a good friend, John and Nadia Egan and Jim Clarke
Edward & Barbara Weddleton
November 26, 2016
To a great guy who I was lucky to be a friend. He had a great message to give to everyone, and stayed true to his relatives and friends.
Judy Polito
November 26, 2016
My deep & heartfelt sympathy to you Alya & family Hank & Eileen we we a great team Please take care
Judy Polito
November 26, 2016
Ayla & family My deep & heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your beloved dad Please take good care
Jim D
November 26, 2016
Ayla & Family,
Hank was a very special person, he touched a lot of people. I feel very fortunate to have had him as a friend. God Bless !
Kevin .
November 26, 2016
Alya;
The world lost a great man....
Your Dad saved my life.
Eternally grateful.
Robin M
November 25, 2016
Ayla,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a kind man. He always greeted me with a smile and took the time to ask how my family was doing. I got the pleasure to meet him while I was employed at your mom's store in the 80's. Your parents were very special to me and I will hold their memories dear to my heart. My deepest sympathy.
November 25, 2016
Dearest Ayla, Jane and John,
Please accept our deepest condolences. Hank was beautiful. We loved him, and the world will never be the same without him.
Love,
Bill and Gina Kane
Frankie Lorusso
November 25, 2016
To Alya and Hankie's family. Just want to let you guys know Hank will be missed. I known him for most of our lives, and always enjoyed being with him, and even just running into him. I will miss him sorely.
Richard Scuderi
November 25, 2016
Our deepest condolences for your family for the loss of Hank.
Marie Ritacco
November 24, 2016
RIP Hank
Bill (Duba) Jarobski & Merrilyn Peloquin
November 24, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers to Hank's family the world lost a good man.
Melissa Grassel-White
November 24, 2016
Dear Alya, I did not know your Dad, but both of my brothers (Charlie and Tommy) knew him well and talked of him often. I wish you and your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. May you find strength in knowing how loved and respected he was by so many people.
Paul Kirby
November 24, 2016
Dear Alya and Hank's family. My sincere condolences to you all. Hank was a very special individual. Always looked forward to seeing him -- always a smile and kind words at the 7 AM. He will be missed by all of us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan & Kevin Powers
November 24, 2016
So sad to hear of Hank's passing. Our deepest sympathy to Ayla and family.
Demise Patnod
November 24, 2016
Sorry to Hank's family. Hank you had hundreds of friends and the same for fun stories. All of Worcester will miss you !!! Peace.
Denise patnod
November 24, 2016
Ayla,
We are so sorry for your loss,our prayers are with you at this time.
please know that in life very few people leave a mark on others the way Hank did. Hankie always made my day whenever i saw him or spent time talking with him. Hank had a special way with people and that is truly a gift. I could go on and on about him but words do not seem to capture his spirit.
We will miss him and will remember what a one of a kind guy he was.
Rest in Gods peace.
J.P. Diane,Dante and Mariano Ricciardi
Frank Prizio
November 24, 2016
Hankie died in Christ so I know he will rise in Christ.
Cliff Sullivan
November 24, 2016
Ayla: Hank was a dynamic friend who lit up any room he entered with warmth. He made us realize how being ourselves can be a joy.
Mike Topalian
November 24, 2016
Ayla, I loved your Mom and Dad and I'm sorry you lost them so early. I can only imagine what an awesome woman you are and will continue to grow to be given the genes you inherited and the love in your home. One of the funniest nights ever was Hank's roasting of Chris Tully at his 50th birthday party. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jesus must be doubled over laughing right now.
Jeffrey D'Amico
November 24, 2016
Eileen, So sorry for Hank's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless
Matt and Linda Gentile
November 24, 2016
Condolences to Ayla and family , 'Hankie' was always one of the characters from the street . Rest in Peace .
Beth DePasquale
November 24, 2016
Please know that I will keep Hank, Ayla, and Tammy etc in my prayers as you walk through this loss.
It is with great sorrow that I write in the book. I am so very grateful to have had Hank in my life. He was a very special person who always made me feel welcome and like I mattered. He will be missed.
Rhonda Vincent-Kupstas
November 24, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
DANNY ROURKE
November 24, 2016
DO NOT LET YOUR GREIF, BE MEASURED BY HIS WORTH, FOR THEN YOUR SORROW HAS NO END ! thanks hank for being a friend!! I will remember all the stories and the laughter we shared!! and laugh we did !!! RIP
Paula Pietro-Malmquist
November 24, 2016
Ayla, we are so truly sorry for the loss of your dad. Hank was such a unique person. He was kind to everyone he met. Your dad had such a sweet soul. He will truly be missed. Your mom and dad are together again. You are always in our thoughts and prayers Ayla. We love you...Love Kim, Paula, Ariana and Ralphie....xxoo
Jennifer Leduc
November 24, 2016
My heart goes out to his family and friends. I will keep you in my prayers. RIP Hank. You will be missed by many.
Erin Gates
November 23, 2016
The boys and I will forever miss uncle hank and his contagious laugh! No one will ever tell a story like him. His and Auntie Eileen's incredible love live on in their most beautiful and incredicibly strong daughter.
Cathy Simone
November 23, 2016
To Ayla and the Family so very sorry for the loss of Hank may he Rest In Peace God watch over there daughter.
Kelly Marcimo
November 23, 2016
Our heart aches for you Ayla. We will alway remember your Dad, he was so tremendously proud of you and devoted to both you and your Mom. Hold tight to your memories, recall them often and know your Angels surround you always. ~with love
Maria sands
November 23, 2016
Ayla my heart goes out to you for the loss of your Dad. He was such a kind,loving man. I remember the days of traveling to cheer compitations all over the place, we always stayed together, ate together and had fun together. He will be missed but not forgotten. Your Mom and He will be watching over you with pride as they always did. Sending hugs and kisses.
Rick Breault
November 23, 2016
My condolences to Hanks family, Hank was a good man he will be missed by many.
Andrew Gordish
November 23, 2016
Hank was one wonderful , caring loving human being. He helped many including myself. May God watch over all your family and friends left behind. We will see you on the other side
Ralph Jackson
November 23, 2016
I didn't know Hank that long. I met him maybe a year or two ago and was instantly drawn to him. I will miss those short chats before and after a meeting. He definitely has a special place "up there" and will be watching over his loved ones.
LouAnn Geer
November 23, 2016
Ayla-- You were blessed with the sweetest and kindest parents, who both adored you. They are together in heaven, watching over you with love and pride. May your faith and memories carry you through this difficult time. I send you my heartfelt condolences, and will keep you and your extended family in my prayers. God bless you all.
gerald w. buono jr.
November 23, 2016
hank . i feel blessed to have known you. talking to you would always brighten an otherwise bad day. you will live on in all our memories.
John Scuderi
November 23, 2016
We will miss Hank, God Bless Him.
Ken Engstrand
November 23, 2016
Dear Ayla,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a good friend and neighbor and was always willing to help everyone.Take Care sweet girl.
Karin Gremo
November 23, 2016
Hank - you were a power of example to all you came in contact with. I will miss you. Peace and prayers for your family. Love, Karin
Marcia Nygard
November 23, 2016
Ayla, I am so sorry for your loss. Hank was a truly good man and he loved you so very much. He will be missed by all of us.
Jane Kadis
November 23, 2016
Ayla, and Hanki's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom Eileen and dad were my childhood friends. May our lord help you and give you the strength and courage to get through this difficult time in your life. I know your mom and dad will always be in your heart and watching over you. God bless! Jane (depaoli) kadis
November 23, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Hanky will be missed by many.
debbie flanagan
November 23, 2016
Hank,I was truly blessed to have known you,you helped so many people I know god has you in his arms .rest in peace my friend see you on the other side.
Deborah Crane
November 23, 2016
My sincere condolences to Hank's family during this difficult time. Hank always touched me with his heartfelt words. My life has been forever enhanced by knowing Hank and he was held in such high esteem by so many. God Bless you.
Art M
November 23, 2016
Always made me laugh, a great and compassionate guy. Will be missed
Andrew Giangaspro
November 23, 2016
Hankie Rest In Peace, you have given so much of yourself to others in time of need. For that alone you will always be remembered. Ayla may God guide you through this difficult time.
Jay Marcimo
November 22, 2016
Ayla I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. My sister Beverly was such good friends with your Mom and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
James Amorello
November 22, 2016
So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful person and thousands of lives, including mine, were vastly enhanced by knowing him.
Jan P
November 22, 2016
May you rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you for all your words of wisdom, the book and the countless number of people you helped over the years including me. You will be sorely missed. My most sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. God speed.
Jan Davini
November 22, 2016
Dearest Ayla,
Your dad was such a good guy! We know he is at peace by your mother's side in heaven.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray they are each holding your hands through these difficult days.
Hermis Yanis, Jr.
November 22, 2016
My condolences to Hanky's family. May God give you all the strength and courage to get through this significant loss.
He is missed already by many. That laugh of his will live on with his memory.
We lost another good one!
Rest in Peace Hanky,
Jr.
Paul Pingeton
November 22, 2016
Hankie I Miss so much already!You will live on in me and in the thousands you have helped!Give Ike a hug foe me
Cheryl Victor
November 22, 2016
We so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing...Ayla you are in our thoughts and prayers, honey. Your dad and mom will forever be your guardian angels. We are so sorry ..... Cheryl, John and NiCollette
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