Henry "Hank" G. Grosse

Henry “Hank” G. Grosse, 65, of Shrewsbury, joined his beloved childhood sweetheart and wife of twenty-four years, Eileen “Ike” (Villatico) Grosse, in Heaven, on Monday, November 21, 2016.  Hank leaves his only beautiful daughter, Ayla R. Grosse; a sister, Jane Grosse Fiumara, wife of the late, Fred Fiumara of Rockport; a brother, John J. Grosse and his wife Deborah of Worcester; the Villatico Family, many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friend Tammy Chiarizio and countless friends and supporters. He was born in Worcester, son of the late, Henry G. and Antoinette (Cangello) Grosse.  Hank called Shrewsbury Street in Worcester home for many years, before moving to Shrewsbury with his wife, Ike, to raise their daughter. It was on the East Side that Hank grew up, met the love of his life, and created many life-long friendships.  He was so proud of his accomplishments, including overcoming addiction, marrying “his Eileen”, and raising his pride and joy Ayla, otherwise known as “the kid”. Hank co-authored “The East Side of Addiction” with childhood friends, bringing to light an epidemic in a tight knit community that could only be overcome by strong bonds of friendship, recovery, and hard doses of reality.  Hank was a popular speaker in the halls of the 12 step program. Hank continued the legacy of compassion and dedicated his life to helping others. Hank will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and his sincerity.  His smile preceded him wherever he went, and his acts of kindness linger in the hearts and memory of those who knew him. Calling Hours for Hank will be held on Sunday, November 27, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  His Funeral will be held on Monday, November 28, at 10 a.m. in Saint Anne’s Church, 120 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east), Shrewsbury, (please proceed directly to church).  Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Grosse Memorial Fund, c/o People’s United Bank, 491 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604.  The funds raised will be donated to cancer and addiction recovery charities dear to both Hank and Eileen.