Obituary of Willy Grossman

Willy Wolfgang Grossman August 28, 1932 – September 25, 2015 Willy was born in Kynwasser, Germany on August 28, 1932. He made Canada his home in April 1957. At “yust” 83 years of age, Willy passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by his family, on Friday, September 25, 2015 in St. Catharines. Loving husband of Sylvia for 48 years. Beloved father of Doris (Ron), Ronald (Megan), Monica (Alan), Shelley, Rosemary (Craig). Opa was proud of his 11 grandchildren Billy, Barbara (Justin), Lisa (Jamie), Geoffrey (Laura), Chantelle (Justin), Clara, Sabina, Gisela, Hailey, Annika, Connor and great-granddaughter Peyton. Dear brother-in-law of Serge (Brenda), Suzanne (Bud), Lise (George) and Uncle Willy to their families. Predeceased by his parents and sister Susel in Germany. Willy was a master mechanic for his entire career and owned/operated various service stations from the late 1950s to the early 1970s throughout St. Catharines and in Fort Lauderdale FL. He also worked at Nemeth Motors and St. Lawrence Seaway “fixing things” for a few years. In 1977, he continued his career at General Motors for 20 years until his retirement in 1997. Before Willy retired, he became a Master Mason with St. George’s Lodge No. 15 A.F.&A.M. After retirement, he began volunteering. He enjoyed serving at the St. George’s Anglican Church Breakfast Club on Sunday mornings and bartending at the CAW Retiree Centre. After becoming a Noble with the St. Catharines & District Shrine Club, much of his time was spent participating in activities within the organization. He accompanied families to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie PA, helped out at bingo, sold hot dogs at BBQs. He could often be found at the Pen Centre or Fairview Mall selling Christmas cakes or in his driveway fixing the go-karts. Willy got a real thrill driving those go-karts in the parades and looking for familiar faces in the crowd. He has played cribbage on Monday nights for many years with the St. Catharines Cribbage League and was also a member of Club Heidelberg for over 50 years. Willy always enjoyed the good times and camaraderie during his many fishing and hunting trips over the years and was looking forward to going hunting with “the boys” this fall. No celebration was too big or too small to be held in Willy’s garage – birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Days, BBQs and weddings – there are so many special memories! Together, Willy and Sylvia enjoyed many trips, Shriners’ events, volunteered, swam at the YMCA, visited with friends and family and so much more. They were there for each other through the good times and bad times. At home, in the morning he would make the coffee and do his crossword puzzle at the kitchen table. Willy would work in his garden or tinker in his garage, share a beer with a friend or nap in a chair. Willy/Dad/Opa was such a special and unique man and will be missed by his many friends, neighbours and especially his family. PROST WILLY! In accordance with Willy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Friday, October 2 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. All are welcome to attend a Masonic Service that will be held on Friday at 6:45-7 p.m. in the funeral home. A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. If desired, donations in Willy’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children.