Robert Grom, a local nonprofit leader and community advocate, died Feb. 28. He was 73. 

Mr. Grom was born and raised on the North Side and graduated from Perry High School in 1969. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at Edinboro University.  

While in college, he worked at DeMatteo’s Dairy in the North Side, where he met his wife, Carol.  

The couple’s children, Adam and Jessica Grom, described their father as “always there when needed.” He attended every sports game, school event and concert, and shared his interest in art and history with them.  

“My father was a hobbyist with a penchant for always finding a new interest,” Jessica Grom said.  

Professionally, Mr. Grom was motivated by improving health and human services in various communities.

For nearly eight years, he worked at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foundation, where he conceived and directed the development of the James I. McGuire Antiquity Center, a health care museum that preserves and promotes the hospital’s historical assets.

He also focused on development of the Braddock Medical Center, where he transformed the center into a community-based, charitable foundation following the merger of the hospital with UPMC.

For 15 years, Mr. Grom also served as the president and CEO of Braddock’s Heritage Community Initiatives, formerly known as the Heritage Health Foundation, a nonprofit that focuses on social services. In his role, he led efforts to mobilize the community and secure fundraising to address issues concerning the cycle of poverty.

“The majority of his executive career was devoted to community development in support of Braddock,” Jessica Grom said. “He loved Braddock for its unique history and major importance to the country.”

For example, he created the “4 Kids Learning Network,” which provided high-quality education and family support services for more than 4,000 at-risk children.

In partnership with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, he was awarded a grant by the Federal Transit Authority for the development of a community van service. Between 2001 and 2010, the WorkLink Community Van Service provided more than 600,000 free rides for more than 4,000 low-income riders seeking access to work, job training and medical services.

Once his children grew up, Mr. Grom moved to Arlington, Va., where he worked for the D.C. Cancer Consortium, a grant-making membership organization committed to easing the burden of cancer.

He later became vice president of external affairs at Melwood, a nonprofit aimed at creating jobs and opportunities to improve the lives of people with disabilities. He also played a key role in the branding of Warfighter Advance, Inc., an organization that branched out of Melwood and helped veterans transition back into civilian life.

“Bob’s time and talents in photography and design were always donated with humility and an open heart,” a Facebook post from the organization said. “We will miss Bob very much — his shoes will be impossible to fill.”

His daughter recalled how he took the family to flea markets and antique shops on the weekends, always on the hunt for rare coins, sports cards and vintage comic books.

At least one Saturday a month, Mr. Grom would also take his daughter on a “photo safari” to a different neighborhood in Pittsburgh, where he told her about its history and helped sharpen her photography skills. 

Mr. Grom authored several books, including “Braddock, Allegheny County (Images of America: Pennsylvania),” “Physician-Soldiers at the Forks: The Impact of the Military on Medical Care in Pittsburgh (1754–1900)” and “Wid Scalpel and Shillaleh: The Life of William Hudson Daly.” 

Upon retiring in 2016, Mr. Grom moved to The Villages, Fla., where he continued volunteering for Warfighter Advance. In his free time, he enjoyed tending to his plants, collecting stamps, and spending time with friends and family. 

“It is very difficult to see the future without him in it,” said Carol Winters, who was friends with Mr. Grom for more than 50 years. “When you know someone longer than even your parents, they truly become your family. Bob will always remain an inspirational part of our lives as his memories and shared experiences continue to impact our lives and those of his family and friends.” 

In addition to his children, Mr. Grom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol; and a sister, Marianne Grom.

Donations can be made in Mr. Grom’s name to Warfighter Advance at https://warfighteradvance.org/donate/ or sent to Warfighter Advance Inc., P.O. Box 222, Patuxent River, Md., 20670.

First Published: April 6, 2025, 8:00 a.m.
Updated: April 7, 2025, 1:48 p.m.