Robert S. Grose

February, 09, 1943 - June, 11, 2022

Robert Stefan “Bob” Grose, 79, of Louisville, Ky., died June 11 at home with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert James and Rosalie Lonigro Grose. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann Voss Grose.

Bob, a loving father and husband, was a native of St. Louis and a lifelong Catholic. As a child of the Italian immigrant community, he was proud of having lived the American dream, pulling himself up to become the first in his family to go to college, which he accomplished by working for UPS and joining the Marine Corps Reserves.

He became a national leader in the textile manufacturing industry and worked for close to 40 years for Riverside Manufacturing Co., where he retired as executive vice president before his retirement in 2013.

He thrived on his friendships — from St. Louis to Louisville to his home of 40 years down south in Moultrie, Ga. He was born a salesman and a people person. When Bob was around, he held the room, telling stories that would keep his listeners captivated even if he had already told the story more than a few times. You wanted to be there for the punchline.

Even though he suffered with cancer for 16 years, his disciplined physical fitness helped him thrive for most of those years. Ultimately, his fitness and mental fortitude prolonged his life in the final weeks so he was able to enjoy good times surrounded by his grandchildren and children — watching them play, cheering on their picks at his last of many epic Derby parties and finding great consolation praying the rosary with them.

The Dominican priests and brothers of St. Louis Bertrand Church nourished his faith in his last year of illness. He profoundly felt Christ’s presence in their ministry. 

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children, Stefan Grose of Alpharetta, Ga.; Voss Grose of Jasper, Ga.; Marnie G. McAllister (Brian) and Sarah G. Terrell (Phillip), both of Louisville; grandchildren Audrey and Alexander Grose; Leo and Voss McAllister; Helena, Stella, Joshua, Emma and Ava Terrell, as well as his sister Rosalie Condon (Tom) of St. Louis, nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1104 S. Sixth St. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive visitors afterward at his home in Prospect, Ky.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Franciscan Kitchen.

Franciscan Kitchen

748 S. Preston Street

Louisville, Ky 40203