Frank Grosseibl

Frank Walter Grosseibl, 87, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2013 at Mercy Regional Medical Center of natural causes. Mr. Grosseibl was born to Michael and Anna (Wagner) Grosseibl of Garfield, New Jersey on December 2, 1925. Frank graduated from Garfield High School in 1944. After graduation, he started work with United States Rubber Company at its main research facility in Passaic, New Jersey. In the 1960’s, USRC changed its name to Uniroyal. When the company relocated its research lab, to Wayne, New Jersey, Mr. Grosseibl was transferred to the new plant. In 1970, Uniroyal built a new corporate complex in Connecticut, where Frank worked for the next 29 years with USRC/Uniroyal and retired as a Senior Research Lab Technician. A year later, GAF Corporation moved its laboratory from Pennsylvania to the vacant Uniroyal site in Wayne, NJ. Frank was asked to come out of retirement to help with the new site. While at GAF, Mr. Grosseibl met Russell Roedema. Both men retired in 1979 after a seven year friendship. In June of that year, Frank and Russell opened the Southwest Coffee House on Main Street in Durango, Colorado. It featured a light menu and served coffee, tea, beer and wine. Seven years later, they sold the business. Frank retired and Russell relocated to the Eastern slope of Colorado. Mr. Grosseibl was a member of the Garfield Volunteer Fire Department for several years. He also was active in the New Jersey State Volunteer Fireman’s Association, a member of the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman’s Association and a life member of the New Jersey and New York Volunteer Fireman’s Association. Mr. Grosseibl is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Grosseibl. He is survived by several cousins and one niece. A visitation will be held at Hood Mortuary Chapel on September 12, 2013, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with a graveside service to be at Greenmount Cemetery, immediately after visitation. A reception for Mr. Grosseibl will be at the VFW Post #4031, 1550 Main Ave., Durango, Co. Friends of Frank, asks to come with memories and fellowship to the reception. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 South Camino del Rio, Durango, Co. 81303.