Murray Grossman Obituary, Death – Murray Howard Grossman was born in Montreal, Canada on January 5, 1952 to Samuel and Roslyn Grossman. He died on April 4, 2023, surrounded by loved ones and at peace, after a life filled with laughter, love, and personal and professional accomplishment. Murray was 71 years old when he died as a result of malignant melanoma. Fran Nelson-Grossman, his loving wife of 45 years, his sons Josh Grossman (Nicki Grossman) and Scott Grossman (Gabriel Barcia Duran), and his devoted grandchildren, Isaac and Gili Grossman, survive him. Murray valued his family beyond all else.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was always available when his family and neighbors needed him. He was proud of his honesty and dedication to his community. Murray’s upbeat attitude, joie de vivre, humility, and sense of wonder were contagious. He was a true Renaissance guy, a singer-songwriter, cook, runner, painter, and physician-scientist who got up early, worked long and hard hours, and slept little. Murray drank thoroughly from life’s cup, finding joy in everyday pleasures and never passing up an opportunity to hug his grandchildren. He was a dedicated community member who helped establish and administer the Katie Samson Invitational Lacrosse Tournament for over 15 years and who always made time to coach “his boys” despite his hectic schedule. Murray traveled extensively and had friends and colleagues all around the world.
Murray was a brilliant physician-scientist whose groundbreaking contributions to science included pioneering new treatments for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and related dementias. In his 30+ year tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, he was a field leader, authoring over 600 articles. Furthermore, he was a diligent and caring physician who was essential in establishing multi-disciplinary dementia treatment by founding the Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration institution, an internationally acclaimed clinical research institution that he launched in 2010. Countless patients and families relied on Murray’s trustworthy advice and soothing presence during difficult times. Murray was also a fantastic mentor who considered his numerous trainees and partners to be friends and family.
He drew partners from all over the world together with a multi-disciplinary and collaborative atmosphere that highlighted the necessity of a strong community in attaining joint achievement, an approach that lives on in his many mentees. Murray received his EdD in 1977 from the Boston VA Aphasia Research Center, and then went on to complete a postdoctoral position at MIT. He received his medical degree from McGill University in 1985 and finished his residency in neurology at the University of Pennsylvania.