Gerald E. Grossman ’70

Gerry, one of our exemplary medical experts, died Jan. 2, 2021. A leading neurologist and teacher for decades, he contracted multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neuromuscular disorder, which he battled for years, and then COVID-19 while in hospice care.

Gerry joined us from Valley Stream North High School on Long Island and was active in Hillel and as a member of Stevenson Hall while majoring in psychology. He had many adventures hitchhiking across the country in the true spirit of the ’70s, then settled into medical school at the University at Buffalo, followed by residencies in pathology and neurology at Case Western. He remained there for a distinguished career as a neurology practitioner, researcher, and teacher. 

In the meantime, he was always a beacon to his family and friends, enthralling them with tales ranging from co-authoring a textbook with the Unabomber to convincing the authorities he was not an outlaw physician with a different middle initial; being true just made them funnier. He even continued to entertain and lighten the work of his hospice staff as well.

Gerry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jennifer S. Kriegler; daughters Joanna Grossman Newton and Marissa Kriegler Grossman ’06; three grandchildren; and siblings Kenneth, Elise, and Richard. His legacy of important medical study, love of family, and courage in adversity will remain with all of us as it does with them.