Professor of Economics Herschel Grossman was more than an academic - the avid Brown football fan somehow managed to balance his passion for economics and teaching with his personal interests, according to family members, friends and colleagues.
"He was one of the lucky few whose profession was not just a means to earn money," Grossman's son Andrew said during Grossman's memorial service Sunday. "It was his life's passion."
Grossman died of a heart attack Oct. 9 while attending a conference in Marseilles, France.
Those in attendance at the service filled Hillel's Winnick Chapel to capacity, forcing some to stand outside.
At the afternoon service, a range of speakers from Grossman's personal and professional life described the University of Virginia graduate as both a passionate family man and a dedicated scholar.
Many at the service said the portrayal of Grossman's accomplishments in and outside the field of economics was an accurate picture of a man who led a balanced and full life.
Grossman's son highlighted the passion with which his father approached his role at the University, where he worked as a faculty member since 1964.
Grossman also served two stints as department chair, the first lasting from 1982 to 1985 and the second from 1986 to 1991.
Grossman's son also commented on his father's impact as a parent, saying he "granted me the freedom to make my own decisions."
Grossman had two children and one grandchild. He was previously married to Elizabeth Greenwell Grossman.
Herschel Grossman's second wife, Suzanne, told those gathered that she'd lost her best friend and companion when her husband died. "Herschel's heart broke, and now mine continues to suffer," she said.
Suzanne Grossman described her husband's strengths as a companion and life partner, emphasizing the intimate connection they shared during their marriage. She said she most appreciated her husband's optimistic personality, abundant enthusiasm and sense of humor.
"Most of all, I was turned on by how much he liked what I like. We clicked," she said. "I learned a tiny bit of economics. Moreover, I learned a lot about myself."
Grossman's son Andrew told The Herald that his father didn't let his career affect his family life. "He was at the office a lot, but he didn't talk about it that much. He was able to leave his job at the office."
Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Economics Rajiv Vohra P'07 and Professor of Economics Anthony Lancaster talked about Grossman's role within the economics department, describing him as a tireless worker who did much to influence the direction and focus of the department during his 40-year career at Brown.
Grossman had "a passion that will be difficult to match," Vohra said, citing as evidence his influence on the undergraduate curriculum, efforts to promote graduate student research and avid support for the Brown football team.
"He was always pushing us to make sure we kept an eye on keeping standards high," Vohra said. "He kept us focused."
Part of Grossman's influence on the economics department stemmed from his impact on the department's hiring decisions during his time as chairman, Vohra said.
Professor of Economics Mark Pitt, one of many faculty members hired during Grossman's term, called him a very "persuasive" promoter of the department. "He told me all of the wonders of teaching and researching at Brown," Pitt said. "He listens well to the interests of others - he was always coming by."
Pitt, who was hired by the department in 1989, added that he remembers Grossman as a "very welcoming guy."
Several of Grossman's colleagues offered anecdotes that featured Grossman's practical and efficient approach to his work.
Vohra recalled how Grossman stopped by Vohra's office to notify him that he had been granted tenure by the University.
"And before I could say a word, he was gone," Vohra said, to laughs from the crowd.
Others also remembered Grossman as focused and deliberate in many of his endeavors.
"You never could bullshit Herschel," Pitt said. "He always does his homework."
This approach reflected "a strong and evident commitment to reason and the power of logic," Lancaster said. "He leaves a huge hole in the department."
Lancaster also highlighted Grossman's consistently active schedule and enthusiasm for various projects throughout his career, an observation that was nearly ubiquitous among the speakers.
"Quite predictably, he found the idea of retirement laughable," Lancaster said.
Andrew Grossman echoed this sentiment. "He was very much involved with his career, and that sometimes seemed to supercede other commitments," he told The Herald.
This high energy level made his death particularly shocking to those who knew and worked with him, Pitt said after the service.
"Herschel had the same strength of mind the last time I saw him as the first time," he said.
Associate Professor of Economics Kaivan Munshi said after the service that he believes Grossman "was probably one of the most influential people in the department."
Grossman, whose work focused on monetary policy, was recognized with a Guggenheim Fellowship, research scholarships and seats on the editorial boards of numerous preeminent journals of economics.
Grossman's family requested that any donations be directed to the Herschel Grossman Fund, a project to promote economics lectures and graduate student research.
- With additional reporting by Stephanie Clark
