Howard Grossman

Howard J. Grossman, 91, of Pittston City, beloved husband of Miriam (Tobi) Balin Grossman, passed away on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Born in New York City, he was the son of Max and Eva Grossman. Howard grew up in Lakewood, N.J., and attended Rutgers University, graduating with degrees in economics and city planning in 1956. He went on to New York University, where he earned a Master of Public Administration.

Howard and Tobi married in Bradley Beach, N.J., on Aug. 18, 1956, and celebrated their 69th anniversary this year. Their incredible bond and love carried them through life together, raising their family, giving back to the community, and exploring the world.

From 1957-1971, Howard served as the deputy director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission. In 1971, the family moved to Dallas, where Howard became executive director of the Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania. He led many projects that helped revitalize the region. Following retirement, Howard became executive director of Jewish Family Service of Greater Wilkes-Barre. After moving to Pittston, he joined Pittston Memorial Library as a volunteer and became its fundraising director.

An avid baseball fan, Howard served on the Board of Directors of Northeast Baseball, bringing the Red Barons to the region. He was deeply involved in the nonprofit community, serving on countless boards such as the F.M. Kirby Center, PA Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Pittston Arts Council, Wyoming Valley Art League, and the Interfaith Council. Close to his heart was an organization he founded, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, for which he recently received an honor from the State of Pennsylvania.

Howard received numerous professional and volunteer awards throughout his life, including National Planner of the Year, and top awards from the NADO & National Assoc of Regional Councils. Additionally, he was an accomplished writer, publishing hundreds of articles for numerous media outlets across the country.

Howard was a member of Temple B'nai B'rith and, along with Tobi, founded Brith Ahim Synagogue in King of Prussia.

He is survived by his wife, Tobi; three daughters, Ellen Topiel of Cherry Hill; Michele Smertz (Alan), of Clarks Summit; and Debra Hund (Ron) of Carmel; and eight grandchildren, Carrie Topiel, Benjamin Topiel, Joshua Smertz (Audra), Michael Smertz (Natalie), Bradley Smertz (Gabi), Rachel Smertz, Ethan Hund, and Seth Hund.

At the heart of Howard's life was his love for his wife, family, and community, and his drive to make it a better place for everyone. Howard's kind and gentle spirit shone through to everyone he met. Most of all, he was a beloved father and grandfather who gave his grandkids the thrill of throwing out the first ball for The Red Barons and passed down his intense love of ice cream and chocolate. His family and friends will miss his warm smile, affectionate teasing, enthusiasm for a good book, his calming wisdom, and kind, sweet eyes. He will be missed by the countless lives he touched.

There will be a memorial service at noon Sunday, Feb. 15, in Temple B'nai Brith, 408 Wyoming Ave. Kingston. Visitation with family will start at 11:15 a.m. Shiva will be held immediately after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenberg Funeral Chapel Inc., Wilkes-Barre.

Memorial contributions can be made to Temple B'nai Brith or to the Pittston Memorial Library.