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BORN
1954
DIED
2012
FUNERAL HOME
12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
Saratoga, California
Robert Grosso Obituary
April 18, 1954~July 21, 2012
Resident of Saratoga
Robert John Grosso, Diane's loving husband and the most wonderful father to John, Vince, and Julianne, died on July 21 after a 12-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and cousin to many reaching from California to New York. Robert was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on April 18, 1954, the first son of John and Julia Grosso. He graduated from Rutgers University in 1978, and decided -with no job and less money-to drive to Southern California to see if he could make it on the other coast. Soon after, he met Diane and they married in 1983. Born a true salesman, he began his career at NCR, followed by Tymshare, BC Communications, Infonet, Concentric Network, Ariba, Inc and most recently was VP of Sales at Tibco, Software. He loved the challenge of a sale, and has said many times that everything is negotiable. Other than being with his family, he loved to fish, work in his garden and vineyard while listening to Frank Sinatra, Motown, and jazz. A true Italian, he loved to cook and make wine from the grapes in his vineyard. So many people have been in his kitchen and listened to his stories-. He loved a party. He always said his greatest accomplishments in his life were his three beautiful children.
A memorial vigil will be held on Thursday, July 26 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Alameda Funeral Home, 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road in Saratoga. A celebration of his life will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Avenue in Saratoga on Friday, July 27 at 10 AM. In honor of Robert's love of the ocean, the New York Yankees and New York Giants, please wear blue.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: The International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Ste 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607, Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 or the American Red Cross Blood Services, 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland, CA 94618, all "In Memory of Robert Grosso."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Grosso
Dave Neal
July 18, 2020
One of the best was taken too soon. Still miss you Robert, those trips were never the same after you left us. RIP my friend.
Patricia De Marco
July 29, 2012
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. I knew him in high school many years ago. He was in some of my classes as well as band. My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Diane and his children.
Senior Prom - Franklin High School 1972
Kathy Bennett
July 27, 2012
Robert and I went to the senior prom. It was sort of a joke - we were such an odd pair. After that we became good friends. I was lost in my first year of college and he would pick me up and drive me all over NJ in his yellow van ("the cheesebox")and tell me stories. He helped me through one of life's difficult transitions. I am sure the angels are helping him as he transitions into his eternal life. My heart goes out to his family.
Tony Giang
July 27, 2012
"Have fun, learn something, make some money." This is what I remember from my interview with Robert when I signed up to be his partner to take on sales for the West at TIBCO. Robert, thanks for this lesson and the stories of the Jackelope. Rest in peace.
July 27, 2012
Diane and family,
Very sorry about Robert's passing. I feel lucky to have known him. We had such a great crew at Infonet back in the mid to late 90s. Robert used to say "these are the good old days". He was always reminding us how lucky we were in between Jerky Boy quips. One of the best times of my life. Robert will always be a part of me.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there.
Greg Burns and Family in NH
July 26, 2012
Diane, John, Vince and Julie,
We were so sadden to hear of Robert's passing. May you find comfort during this difficult time in the love and support of your family and friends.
The Capovilla Family
Laurita Wheeler
July 26, 2012
Dear Diane and Grosso Family, I had the opportunity to work with Robert as his assistant at TIBCO for the last year and half. I will always remember him as a wonderful, proud man. Robert was very kindhearted and I loved how he endearingly spoke of his family. He was courageous and never complained, he always managed a smile even when I know he was not feeling well. I will miss him but am thankful to have known him.
Sandy Reich Cannon
July 26, 2012
So very sad to hear of Bob's passing. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick Smith
July 26, 2012
to Bob's family and friends I am truly sorry to hear of his passing.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers
Richard Andrus
July 26, 2012
I will miss Robert. He was a good friend.
The Cowles Family
July 26, 2012
Diane, John, Vince and Julianne,
Memories serve to warm our hearts and lighten our souls. You are blest with years of happy and wonderful memories.
With Sympathy,
Bill Etheredge
July 26, 2012
I had the good fortune to work with Robert at Concentric for 3 years. As a sales executive he was the consummate professional and competitor-a real winner. However, as a human being he scaled the charts. A big hearted, happy, sensitive and caring individual. Robert was one of the most memorable people I ever had the pleasure to associate with and I can't begin to imagine how many wonderful memories the Grosso family must have.
Bill Etheredge
Barry Hintz
July 26, 2012
I had the pleasure of working for Robert at Concentric Network Corporation. I have fond memories of our conversations during "windshield" time as we drove to customer locations together. What a fine guy!
Condolences to the family on your loss.
Dian (Grealis) Stein
July 26, 2012
It is with true sadness that I read of Robert's passing. I must admit that my sadness was deepened by the fact that he was another victim of Multiple Myeloma. This is the horrible cancer that took my Dad (32 years ago tomorrow) and several other friends and loved ones since.
Robert was a happy part of my life during my Hollywood Avenue days. Memories of the many HYSTERICAL things he would do and say are flooding my mind – much of which would be impolite to repeat in mixed company!
He was a kind and terrific guy who will never be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who are impacted by this loss.
Ed Sakayama
July 26, 2012
Played sax with Bobby in the high school band. He was one of the funniest guys I ever met. I have great memories of Bobby.
SHELDON LEWIS
July 25, 2012
I've known Robert, since we played basketball at 12-13 yrs old, class of 72.Robert and I started hanging out after high school did a lot of stuff together,Robert and I remain friends all through the years,Robert and I talk a few months ago we had a very nice conversation,I will never forget my friendship, may god bless him. TO Diane and his three kids you are in my prayers.
Suzy (Grealis) Vincent
July 25, 2012
I grew up with Robert on Hollywood Avenue in Somerset, NJ. He was my classmate from kindergarten on, fellow bandmate in our high school marching band, and a constant source of joy, humor, fun and friendship. I regret having lost touch with Robert after high school; it's difficult and surreal to sit here, 40 years later, trying to grasp the loss of such a wonderful person and great childhood friend. May he rest in peace, and to his family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
The Estey-Nielson Family Paul, Brigitte, Ashton, and Allyn
July 25, 2012
Diane, John, Vince, and Julie,
Although I did not have the chance to meet Robert, I could feel the family love he fostered through his son, Vince. The world will miss such a strong and loving force.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Peters
July 25, 2012
Diane,
I just heard of Robert's passing. I'm so sorry. I know he fought hard these past several years, and I was optimistic he would win. He was one of the most upbeat and caring person I have known. Our thoughts are with you, Joh, Vince, and Julie.
John and Judy Peters
July 24, 2012
Diane, John Vince and Julie:
Robert you will be missed...your laughter your warm mischievous eyes and most of all your friendship.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love,
The Trambley Family, Bill Sue Liz and Lauren
Beth and Frank Piersanti
July 24, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Bill Wallace
July 24, 2012
I will always think of Robert as a big strong loving man watching his children play sports. He was always warm and friendly even during his long and courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
David Neal
July 24, 2012
Diane,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time.
Robert was a great friend of mine, I valued his friendship enormously. He truly was "one of the good guys". We will miss him, his smile and his humour.
He was a real, classy gentleman. I was proud to call him my friend.
Orla Beatty
July 24, 2012
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
(Old Irish prayer)
Roberta Tomaino
July 24, 2012
The obituary said it all.......
Beautiful words to honor a beautiful person. I feel so lucky
To have known Robert...... He was taken all too soon from us.
Rest in peace dear man.
Diane, John, Vincent, and Julianne, my deepest, heartfelt
Sympathies go out to you at that time.
With deepest affection and blessings.....
Love always,
Roberta
"Miss Teeee"
Gutto Family
July 24, 2012
Diane, John, Vince and Julie-
Robert was a man who made friends of strangers, and truly welcomed all into his home and his life. We will always remember him for his generosity of spirit, his love for fun, great food (Italian), the best wine and the company of friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
July 24, 2012
Always with a warm smile and a hearty greeting, Robert will forever be remembered as a larger than life loving, kind, and caring husband, dad and friend. He was a gentle gentleman. Diane, John, Vince and Julie....Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, the Almassys
Cindy Yauger
July 24, 2012
Dear Diane, John, Vince and Julianne,
You were blessed with such a wonderful family man! He always wore a smile and every day was a celebration of some kind. What a special energy: warm, kind and loving. I know there's a party right now in heaven, and he is in the middle and smiling! Although he was very uncomfortable in the last days, I know the hands of angels held him as the gift of his soul was returned to our God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all; cherish your memories and know family and friends will support you as you face the days ahead. Until we can give you a hug in person, we send our love. Cindy, Don, Cambria and DJ Yauger.
Homen Family
July 24, 2012
Warm Summer Sun
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.
By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation
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Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, Inc. - Saratoga12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
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