ASLRRA Hall of Famer Grossman dies

American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) Hall of Famer Robert Grossman died Dec. 9, the ASLRRA announced in a recent newsletter. He was 83.

A resident of Livitz, Pennsylvania, Grossman was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year. He was one of the founders of short-line holding company Emons Transportation Group in 1971 and later joined the executive team at Genesee & Wyoming Inc. when G&W acquired Emons in 2002.

G&W created a new role for Grossman as executive vice president of government and industry affairs. He transitioned to a part-time position as vice president of government and industry affairs for G&W’s Oregon region in 2007 and then retired in 2008.

In 1996, Grossman helped start the Keystone State Railroad Association in Pennsylvania and served as the organization’s first president. He also helped establish the Railroads of New York and Oregon Rail Users League organizations.

Grossman was an active member of ASLRRA’s board from 1999 to 2008 and served on the association’s Legislative Policy Committee. He was instrumental in advocating for the short-line railroad infrastructure tax credit. Grossman also helped plan many ASLRRA events at which his wife Gloria often volunteered, ASLRRA officials said in the newsletter.

Grossman is survived by his wife Gloria, son Jeff and four grandchildren.