Robert Michael Grossman, 64, passed away on January 1, 2017 in his home.

Robert was born in Decatur, Illinois on May 15, 1952 to Ralph and Kathryn (Morris) Grossman.

Robert graduated from Illiopolis High School in 1970. He then graduated from Millikin University in 1974 with a double major; computer science and accounting. After graduating from college he began his career working for National Cash Register until he started his own company in 1976. He purchased a historic home on University Avenue in 1994.

Robert also purchased the historic Masonic Lodge in downtown Champaign, Illinois on August 2008, which was originally built in 1912-1914, and converted to 19 luxury apartments named The Lodge on Hill. The renovation project began July 2009 and was completed on August 2010. He was featured in the News-Gazette, the At Home Central Illinois magazine, and the Wall Street Journal. On February 2008, he purchased the former Champaign County Public Health facility at 710 North Neil Street, which he renovated and converted to an 8,000 square foot fine antique store, The Estate Sale, with an additional 4,000 square foot office space.

His charitable contributions are too numerous to count. The most notable would be a part of his warm winter initiative. Robert made donations to Garfield Elementary School and Northeast Magnet School in Danville, Illinois. He purchased numerous winter accessories for every student and was featured in the News-Gazette for his contributions.

Robert opened up portions of the Lodge on Hill for a holiday open house as a fundraiser for Eastern Illinois Foodbank raising a total of $12,000.

Robert was a beloved brother and loved his family. He showed compassion and love to everyone he knew. He loved life and people, especially family and friends. Robert will be greatly missed and remembered by many. His greatest joy was photography and spending time with his dog and companion Toro. He also had a passion for traveling abroad.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017 from 5pm to 8pm at Owens Funeral Home, 101 North Elm Street, Champaign. There will be a visitation on Saturday, January 7, 2017 from 9am to 11am with a funeral service to follow at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 432 Seventh Street, Illiopolis. The Reverend William Mitchell will officiate. Burial will be at Long Point Cemetery in Niantic.

Robert is survived by brothers: Jerry Grossman of Auxvasse, MO, Butch Grossman of Decatur, and Steve (Dee) Grossman of Houston, TX, sisters: Joyce (Darrell) Church of Stonington, Carolyn Etchison of Decatur, Sharon (Dick) Goers of Decatur, Karen Hagaman of Decatur, Janice (Wesley) Blackwell of Mechanicsburg, Jane (Roger) Downs of Decatur, sister in law: Delores Grossman of Decatur, special aunt: Virginia Vantrump of Carrollton, MO, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Larry, Ron, Gary, Harold, and Dennis, sister: Gloria Basil, sister in laws: Patricia Grossman and Sharon Grossman, brother in law: Bud Etchison.

Memorial contributions may be made to Garfield Elementary School in Danville or the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

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