Here is the speech I made at the memorial service:

A few words to describe the essence of my father:
Family Togetherness
A Fun Spirit
Appreciation of Elegance and Beauty
Generosity (of time, money, and spirit)
Joie de vive (Love of Life)
My dad loved gatherings with family and friends. His 40th birthday party, (Jerry in the center of the circle) is an early childhood memory of mine. Many of you here remember the big 70th birthday celebration, where friends and family toasted him, and sang, danced, and played music in his honor. You'll remember how he beamed and how his blue eyes twinkled with enjoyment at these gatherings. My dad was so full of life, it is easy to imagine how he would be enjoying your company today. I guess part of the purpose of today is to help all of us process that he is not just out of the room or missing out on today's gathering but he is really gone.
Family togetherness was my dad's motto, and he was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.  What made my dad happy was a fancy dinner while surrounded by family. Nothing brought my dad more joy than living through his children and his grandchildren. Jerry adored Ada.  Dad was always in awe of Mom, her personality, how she connects with people, and makes friends with everyone she meets - as he would always say how vivacious and effervescent she is !  Dad loved my sisters Hillary and Shana and me, our spouses, and most of all he cherished and was extremely proud of each one of his five grandchildren.  

My dad, Mr Jerry, liked living well.  He enjoyed taking us to nice restaurants, wonderful vacations, broadway shows, throwing parties like our Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, his own 70th birthday. Dad worked hard to create this quality of life for himself and his family.  Dad commutted in and out of NY City every day when I was growing up which was a sacrifice in that it reduced the amount of time he got to spend with his family.   This hard work along with his generosity led to a fantastic retirement for both him and my mom, allowing us to have many great memories of the 13 of us.
I feel like I am still learning about who my Dad was.  Going through some of his stuff before the cruise really highlighted how impressively organized my dad was and how he paid attention not only to the big stuff but to everything, down to the smallest detail.  His sense of style brought him great joy when shopping with his family and led to his success within the fashion industry. My Dad was a perfectionist with exceptionally good taste.  This can be seen by the degree of order I found in his sock drawer, the way he dressed, his beautiful condo, and through the changes he led in Parliament House- The building sign, The pool area down to the pavers, the tiki huts, the new recycling program, the new roof, and the very visible tasteful painting of the exterior.  Dad's efforts went beyond the building, his leadership lead to extending the Pompano Beach CRA (Community Redevelopment plan) from ending at 3rd street to now going up to 5th street.
Again these crafted expressions of Jerry are color coordinated and the themes expressed are seen in the big and small details.  Its been easy for me to not process that he is really gone. I think my grieving will strike periodically for the rest of my life.  There will be moments or events when his absence will strike.  A new movie he would have loved, next thanksgiving, any family gatherings.
My dad did not teach me how to fix a car, or build a new addition onto my house, or how to play golf or fish or baseball.  What my dad did show me was how to be a mensch.  How to be generous, how to connect with people, and how to value and love your wife and your family.  I know my memory of him and his values will help steer me to be a better person.
Jerry would be glad you dressed nicely to see his family and offer your heartfelt condolences.  
If your socks match your belt and watch he is even happier.

 I will always remember Pop Pop.  Why? Because I've never met a person who's shown their love of others as much as Pop Pop.   I put it that way because he will always want you to be around him once you get to know him.  That is why I love him so much and will never forget him.  In fact, I know that anybody that knew him will always remember him.  In every event he was in he wanted you to be sitting beside him.  One thing I also want you to know about Pop Pop is: He will never forget anybody that he has met.  Even now I'll bet he is still thinking about the people that he has met.  That is why I'll always remember Pop Pop.   
[This is the speech Jerry's youngest grandchild gave at his memorial service.]

No one said people’s names the way Jerry did – with immediate delight and enthusiasm, with affection and with genuine interest. He’d say your name and, even over the phone, you would instantaneously be enveloped by his warmth and be so happy to be his friend.

December 29, 2010

We cannot express our feeling of loss at the passing of someone we always loved more like a brother and not a brother-in-law.  We will love you forever, Jerry, and will be here for you, Ada and the kids, whenever you need us.

Gert and Sheldon Yogel
(Ada's sister)

Jerry's  death  is  a  loss to  his family,  his  friends  and  his community. We share  the sadness. He will  be sorely missed.
May  his  strong spirit  stay  with  us forever.

Sadness and grief; mingled with gratitude knowing that uncle Jerry lived a blessed life. Our hearts go out to you aunt Ada, and Hillary, Shana, Bob and families.

We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Jerry.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Our loving friend, charming personality, favorite dinner and movie companion with Ada, active participant in Parliament House and Pompano Beach activities.  We will always miss him.  Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Judy & Mel

I see Jerry's picture and can't comprehend that he has died.  His physical form is gone, but  seeing his photos and recalling  his teachings and all  the good memories of him will keep him alive and still have a positive impact in the lives of us  from whom he has departed.  Aaron (Ada's Brother)

I've known Jerry 51 years. He was one terrific guy.We met at Alexanders Department store in the Bronx and in 1959 Jerry, Eddie Falik and I drove in his '51 Pontiac to Miami Beach. We stayed at the Nautilus hotel and had one great time.
   Fifty years ago, we had no plans for New Years Eve. We picked up a N.Y. Post and thumbing through it we found an ad for a dude ranch in Succasunna , N.J. named TRIPLE LAKE DUDE RANCH. We went there and on New Years Eve, Jerry and I were in the bar when Ada walked up to him. That was the beginning. Jerry dissapeared for three weeks. No sight, no calls. Finally he reappeared with the anouncement that he is engaged. True love at first site. An apartment in Newark and they were on their way. a great couple. Truly an unseperable pair. I will miss his wry sense of humor. Goodbye my friend.

                                                        Stewart Ross

PS I was the best man at their wedding1

Our deepest sympathy to Ada and all the Grossman Family.
We will all miss Jerry's kindness, cheerful attitude, generosity and concern for others.  He was truly a great guy.
We - among many - admired and loved him.

Our deepest sympathy to Ada and all the Grossman Family.
We will all miss Jerry's kindness, cheerful attitude, generosity and concern for others.
We - among many - admired and loved him.
Bill and Ruby Miller

My deepest condolences to Ada, Shana, Hillary, Bob and the entire family.  Wishing you moments of peace during this difficult time.

I remember when I first met Jerry.  It was at Bob's wedding in New Jersey.  Bob said to me, "Doug, I'd like you to meet my father."  And I said, "Hello Mr. Grossman.  It's nice to meet you."  And while firmly shaking my hand Jerry jovially replied, "I'm not Mr. Grossman!  Mr. Grossman is my father!  My name is Jerry and it's a pleasure to meet you."

I knew right then I had just met a great guy!  I'll never forget Jerry.  Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you.

OBITUARY

Jerome Franklin Grossman

28 January, 1934 – 16 December, 2010

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