John A. Grossman

John A. Grossman, 68 quietly passed to heaven Wednesday, January 26, 2022 due to complications of pancreatic cancer.  Born Oct. 4 1953 to the late Bertha (Dehl) and Andrew P. Grossman, he is survived by his loving wife and soulmate of 41 years MaryAnn (Spillers) and son Andrew James,  brother Raymond, sister Monica (Jud) Blaine, sister-in-law Theresa Grossman,  Spillers brothers-and sisters- in- law,  nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special friends: the OTP Friday Prayer Group, Backyard Patio Group, the Unworthington’s, and St Charles’ Baseball Friends & Friends-of-Friends.  His brother Bill Grossman, cousins Jeff Grossman and Chrissy Grossman Ridings, and mother-and father-in-law Jim and Ginny Spillers also preceded him in death.

John graduated from Bishop Watterson High School, The Ohio State University and the University of Dayton and attended Cambridge University, Cambridge, England.  He was a passionate Catholic school teacher and principal for 36 years, a youth baseball coach, and a Student Tour Guide.  He considered the preparation of adolescents for the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic faith as one of the most important duties of his career. Famous for his passion for American History and his 2-question, ½ day essay tests (sometimes given the day before Christmas break), John also was known for his fairness, humor, work ethic and leadership.  He was past president of the Advisory Board for the Department of Education at Ohio Dominican University, past president of the Principals’ Association for Catholic Elementary Schools, and co-chair of multiple committees and planning boards within the Diocesan Schools and the Ohio Department of Education, with particular focus on K-8 curriculum development and preservice teacher development

A longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, John was a kind and loving husband and father with a quick wit, a generous streak of silliness beneath a sometimes-serious persona, a special affinity for the very young and the elderly, and a serious sweet tooth.  His Catholic faith and the well-being of his family, neighbors, friends and students were most important to him. An eternal optimist, especially during his experiences with cancer,  he was a man of great integrity, a trusted colleague, a loyal buddy, and a cheerful, compassionate  friend and neighbor,  generously sharing his gift for bringing people together and making them feel welcome. Proud of his Swiss heritage, John was a member of the Gruetli Verein of the Columbus Swiss Club for over 40 years, where he also served as Treasurer. 

Calling hours will be 4:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday, Feb 1 at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel 4661 Kenny Rd. Columbus 43220. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Wednesday, Feb 2,  Immaculate  Conception Church 414 E.N. Broadway Columbus 43214;and burial St. Joseph Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, John requests contributions to Immaculate Conception School, 366 E. N. Broadway Columbus, OH  43214 or Immaculate Conception St. Vincent DePaul Society, 414 E. N. Broadway Columbus, OH  43214. 

John and his family give sincere thanks to Dr. Emily Saul and the nurses of the Infusion Lab of COHA, Dr. Ning Jin of the James Cancer Hospital, and the outstanding 4th Floor ICU Red Team of Riverside Hospital for their excellent care and efforts on his behalf.

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