Robert Wayne Grosso

Robert Wayne Grosso passed away on September 23, 2026 after a long life, which included 43 years deeply in love with his wife Becky and an unfailing love for his daughter Tara. His third love was his career as an educator to 33 years’ worth of students in Wapato schools. The impact he had on those he loved and cared about during his lifetime is immeasurable.

Bob was born on August 26, 1946 to Julius and Gladys “Grace” Grosso in Coulee Dam, WA. The youngest of four children, he was raised in the area throughout his early school years and attended Eastern Washington State College (EWU) where he earned a degree in mathematics.

After college Bob spent two years in the Army stationed in Korea earning National Defense Service, Armed Services Expeditionary and Army Commendations.

In 1971, Bob began his teaching career in Wapato schools starting at the Jr. High and later moving to the High School. His teaching career spanned 33 years. He taught mathematics and assisted in coaching baseball and football.

He met and fell in love with Becky Pastrana who also worked in the school district. They married in 1976 and welcomed their daughter Tara a few years later. Over the years, they enjoyed watching Tara grow into a kind, caring young woman. Bob and Becky were married for 43 years until Becky’s passing in 2020. They spent their retirement years enjoying time in Hawaii, California, Cruise Ships, and Disney vacations.

Bob had a passion for his students and furthering their educational opportunities. He made himself available for additional help with assignments and assisting students with applications for grants and scholarships. His students held him in high regard for his efforts. He was a pioneer in bringing the MESA program to the Wapato schools. Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, under Bob’s leadership, created opportunities for students to visit and learn at state universities and introduced robotics to the classroom. His involvement with MESA included summer breaks in California which earned him numerous awards for his years of dedication to the program.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Becky, parents Julius and Grace Grosso, sisters Gloria Wraspir, Beverly Auker and brother David Grosso.

He is survived by his daughter Tara and her boyfriend Chad Tiffany of Yakima; Sisters-in-laws Marsha Pastrana (Harrah, WA), Kathryn (Ron) Regalado (Federal Way, WA) and Pat Grosso, (Winchester, Virginia). Brother-in-laws John Pastrana (Hughson, CA) Guadalupe Pastrana (Lynnwood, WA) He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go to Marsha Pastrana for her role in caring for Bob and Tara’s affairs, former colleagues Sil Juarez and Wally Gilman for their continued friendship after Becky’s passing and during the years prior to Bob’s death. Additionally, thank you to Dr. David Lemmon for his friendship and chiropractic care over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2027. Interment at that time will be at Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

To honor Bob’s legacy, donations can be sent to the WREC (Wapato Robotic Engineering Club) at 1202 S Camas Ave, Wapato, WA 98951.