Gary M. Grobman

Gary M. Grobman

GROBMAN: Gary M. Grobman, age 70, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Aug. 11, 2023, with his loving family by his side. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he was the son of Leon and Freda Grobman, who predeceased him. Gary lived in the Harrisburg area from 1982 until his death. He was a former executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. Gary was a graduate of Northeast High School (Philadelphia), Drexel University (S.S., 1975), Harvard University (M.P.A., 1982), and Penn State University (Ph.D., 2002). At Drexel University, he met the Drexel Protestant chaplain, Robert W. Edgar, a progressive Democrat and anti-war activist. When Edgar decided in 1974 to pursue a congressional seat in Delaware County in a district held by Republicans since 1858, he asked Gary to serve as his campaign staff writer. After a surprise victory, the newly elected congressman hired Gary to work in his Washington office as a speech writer and letter answerer. Within five months, Gary was promoted to senior policy professional staffer, where, according to the Congressional Research Service, he was the youngest legislative director at the time. In the MPA program at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Gary took courses from luminaries such as former governor and Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, Carter Domestic Policy Advisor Stuart Eisenstat, and Nixon speechwriter Stephen Hess. After Harvard, Gary became the first executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC), the Harrisburg-based advocacy organization for Jewish federations and their agencies. During his 13 years at the PJC, Gary was the principal author of the state’s Holocaust education curriculum; served as the chair of the Pennsylvania Coalition for Human Services; and founded and chaired the Nonprofit Advocacy Network. He later joined his wife Linda’s book publishing and consulting business, White Hat Communications. While there, Gary authored more than a dozen books. Gary served as a graduate school adjunct professor for more than a decade, teaching nonprofit management for Gratz College (Philadelphia), Marylhurst University (Oregon), Bay Path University (Longmeadow, Massachusetts), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Ph.D. program. Gary was a three-time male Runner of the Year of the Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club (HARRC) and competed in nine Boston Marathons. He was an accomplished flutist and piccolo player and was the principal piccoloist of the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band for more than a quarter-century. He was a member of many other musical organizations over the years, including the Old World Folk Band and several community bands and orchestras. Gary and his wife of 33 years, Linda, enjoyed traveling on cruise ships and playing flute duets together. He was a proud and loving father to Adam. Gary is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Adam (Connor); and sister Judith Grobman. To send condolences or share memories with the family please go to hetrickbitnerfuneralhome.com. Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to Temple Ohev Sholom of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or a charity of your choice. PJC

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