Donald James Grossman

Donald James Grossman, 85, of Highland Park, Illinois. Donald was born in Chicago, the oldest son of the late Abraham and Florence (nee Gorelick) Grossman. Affectionately known as “Don” or “Donny,” this gentle giant was a true Renaissance man, blessed with a head for numbers and the soul of an artist. A proud graduate of Evanston Township High School and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Donald chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a CPA, forming the accounting firm Grossman, Duhl & Fertel — which eventually became Grossman, Weinstein & Co., Ltd. He served his country in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Captain in the Public Information Detail; was a longtime member of the Jaycees; was regional governor of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity; and was active in Republican politics for most of his adult life, including (but not limited to) serving as President of the Evanston Young Republican Club, Chairman of the Illinois Young Republican Club’s Finance Committee, a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Advisory Committee and the Governor’s Advisory Council, and Treasurer for Ill. Congressman John Porter.

A whiz with numbers, Donald gave financial advice and prepared tax returns for hundreds of clients over his 60-plus year career as a CPA. And lest you think he was all work and no play, he was also an avid golfer; a frequent traveler; a lover of literature, music, movies, and theater; a science fiction fanatic; a bridge and blackjack buff; a loyal Bears and White Sox fan; a compulsive completer of crossword puzzles and Sudoku; a devourer of virtually any food placed in front of him; and, in general, the guy you would want to have a drink with.

Above all, Donald cherished his loved ones — all of the Grossmans, Gellars, Gorelicks, and Bierstocks who formed the branches of his prolific family tree. He was the beloved parent of Judy (Marvin) Grossman Germany and step-parent of Beth (Jeff) Hirsch Handt; adoring grandfather of Nick, Zoe, and Sydney; brother of Richard "Dick" (Janet) Grossman and Joyce (Sheldon) Grossman; brother-in-law of Kim (Roger); uncle of Joel, David, Daniel, and Terri; nephew to many aunts and uncles; and one of numerous cousins. Donald is preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Susan (nee Klinger) Grossman, and wife-without-the-matrimony of 11 years, Elaine Hirsch; his daughter, Beth Grossman; and his brother, Robert (Kim) Grossman. He was also blessed with many friends, from all walks of life, who enriched his life and whose lives he enriched.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 6, at 10 a.m. at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Boulevard, Wilmette, Illinois. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Donald’s passion for helping others, consider donating to the Beth Toby Grossman Distinguished Professorship in Spirituality and Healing, c/o UT Health Houston, PO Box 20268, Houston, TX 77025-9998. Donald, Susan, and Judy created the endowed professorship in 1996 in loving memory of their daughter and sister, Beth Grossman, who passed away suddenly in 1996. Beth, who was working toward her master’s in public health at the time of her death, had dedicated her life to helping underserved populations and addressing a wide range of public health issues. The current Beth Toby Grossman Distinguished Professor, Steven Kelder, PhD, MPH, is focused on developing and disseminating interventions related to promoting physical activity, healthy eating and oral health, and preventing obesity and the use of e-cigarettes in children. The distinguished professorship is helping to fund his outstanding work, which so perfectly embodies Beth’s spirit.

May Donald’s memory be a blessing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Grossman family.