Westfield’s 2018 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal Teddy Gossi

By Stan Cuba

The Westfield Memorial Day Parade Committee was proud have Teddy Grossi as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1927, Teddy’s family moved to Roselle Park in 1944. His mother had three sons: Teddy, Joseph, and John. Joseph was killed during WWII in 1944 following the invasion of Normandy. In 1945 Teddy was drafted, and he and his brother John served in the US Army at the same time. After the war, Teddy returned to civilian life, but in 1950 he was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. With his service completed Teddy came home and joined the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen at Local 34 in Westfield, New Jersey. Eventually, he became president and general manager, as well as director for the Bricklayers Union of New Jersey. In 1995 he was awarded the Craft Award for “outstanding union service by an individual.”
Teddy married May Mariano in 1956. They have a daughter, Donna, who married Ron Pacifico. They have two children, JR and Marla.
Teddy is truly a part of the “greatest generation,” and we are proud to honor him for his service to our country.