Richard James Grossi Sr., 83, of Wallingford, beloved husband of Norma Oliva Grossi, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019, just nine days shy of their 59th wedding anniversary. He was the son of the late Nazzareno and Elisa Grossi and his stepfather, Alfredo Tarini. Known as Dick, he was born in New Haven and raised in West Haven, where he graduated from high school. He obtained a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from UConn in 1957. That same year he began his 41-year career with United Illuminating (UI) in New Haven as an engineering assistant. When he retired in 1998, he had worked his way up to the position of Chairman and CEO of the investor-owned electric utility. Along the way he filled various managerial positions of increasing authority, including New Haven Harbor Project Manager, Vice President of Engineering and Planning, Vice President of Corporate Planning, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Dick completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard in 1986. A constant presence in his community and in the state, he received an honorary doctoral degree from Albertus Magnus College in 1998. He served on the board of directors of New Haven Savings Bank, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Connecticut, the University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc., and as a member of the Representative Policy Board of South Central Regional Water District. He also served as chairman of the Science Park Development Corp. in New Haven and as chairman of the New York Independent System Operator Board of Directors. Formerly of Hamden, Dick enjoyed leisure time at his home there as an avid model car and train hobbyist, where family and visitors delighted in his outdoor train display. He received many awards over the years, including a Good Scout Award that gave him special pleasure. Besides his wife, Dick is survived by two sons, Rick Grossi (Jennifer) of Virginia and Craig Grossi (Deidra) of Virginia, daughter Laura Hogan (Dan) of Massachusetts; six grandchildren, John and Rebecca Grossi, Samantha, Alyssa, Danny, and Stephanie Hogan; a sister, Anna Sorrentino (Frank) of Ellington; and many loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and stepfather, Dick was predeceased by his sister Anita Perrotti and her husband Salvatore.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 9, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 10, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, followed by burial in All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Avenue, North Haven. Donations in Dick’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.