Oct 24, 2012

Robert W. Grassi, 72, of Washington, died peacefully Sunday, October 14, 2012, in his home, following a seven-month illness. He was born June 28, 1940, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Ruth O’Bryon Grassi Susko and Chester Grassi. He was the nephew of the late Virginia “Aunt Gin” O’Bryon. Mr. Grassi was a 1958 graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School. In addition to excelling in high school basketball, he played on the Washington Minors minor league football team. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. Mr. Grassi was employed as a stockbroker representative and worked in the health club field in Pennsylvania and New York, eventually owning two clubs of his own in Ohio and West Virginia. He owned and managed sales offices for Invention Submission Corp., also known as Invent Help, in Pittsburgh, receiving numerous awards for excellence prior to retiring. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing many wonderful experiences with his brothers and friends, and became very active in raising and training English setters. He earned numerous national and state awards for outstanding performance in competitive field trials with his dogs. At the time of his death, he was the reigning National Grouse Championship trophy holder. Surviving are his loving partner of 32 years, Roberta Aul; beloved daughter Roberta J. (Chris) Weiss and adored granddaughters Emily A. and Augusta S. (Gussie) Weiss, all of Pittsburgh; devoted brothers Michael H. (Joan) Susko of Houston and David H. (Mattie) Susko of Washington; sister Geraldine (Jim) Converse of South Park; nephew Michael W. (Renee) Susko and children Kaleb and Madison, all of Houston; nieces Rachel J. Susko of Washington and Tracy (John) Major and children Ana and Ava, all of Tennessee; and uncle Ercole and aunt Ann Grassi, both of Houston. His life was greatly enriched by his family and friends. He always felt he was a lucky man. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 27, in Fairhill Manor Christian Church, 351 Montgomery Avenue, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital.