SELMA, AL : Popular Selma resident killed in accident on April, Monday 3rd 2017
A popular Selma resident who rushed to save one of his family’s dogs was struck by a vehicle and killed on a busy city street Monday night.
Steve Grossman was hit about 9:30 p.m. Monday and died as a result of severe head injuries, Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson said Tuesday afternoon.
Jackson said the death would be presented to an upcoming session of a Dallas County Grand Jury, “and we expect to close the case because there was no indication at this time of it being anything but a tragic accident.”
“It was dark and he was struck on the passenger side of the vehicle,” said Jackson who didn’t identify the driver, but indicated more details would be announced Wednesday.
The prosecutor said he didn’t foresee any changes being filed against the driver of the vehicle that struck Grossman.
Grossman was deeply involved in Selma’s arts activities as well as other programs and was available for anything that needed assistance, said Sandy Greene, who said his death shocked the community.
“Steve will be missed by those who appreciated his volunteer efforts thought the years,” said Greene. “Selma does not have a large Jewish community but he was very important because his leadership in that capacity.”
His ability to read Hebrew, prepare sermons, blow the shofar and conduct services as well as answer questions about his religion made him important to the Jewish community that now numbers about seven members.
Raised a traditional Jew, Grossman nevertheless took part in Reform Judaism services that adhere to changing times. His pulpit was at Temple Mishkan Israel in downtown Selma.
On Saturday mornings, however, he would drive about 100 miles to an Orthodox synagogue in Birmingham where he took part in more familiar services.
A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Grossman attended traditional Jewish services and often said he was proud to be from the “old school” of Judaism.
He and a partner came to Selma to purchase American Candy Co., a nationally known business owned by a Jewish family for 90 years.
Grossman later became president of Microwave Roasters that heated peanuts, onion rings and other food items.
In recent weeks, he taught a class about Judaism for Selma residents who might be interested in learning more about a religion that helped to guide him through life.
“I consider it an honor for me to be able to do this,” he once said. “It’s almost as if I’ve gotten a calling from above, like I came here for a reason not related to business.”
Laura Grossman, who is also active in Selma’s arts activities, was visiting relatives in another state when told of her husband’s death and rushed back to Selma.
A family friend said the dog that her husband rushed to save wasn’t hurt. The couple had several other dogs, too.
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Popular Selma resident killed in accident