Paul H. Grollman passed away May 8, 2021, at home days before his 98th birthday. Paul was born in Kansas City, KS, on May 10, 1923, to the late Meyer and Leah Greenberg Grollman.
Paul graduated from John P. St. John Memorial High School, Olathe, KS, in 1940. Paul attended community college and took engineering classes at the University of Kansas. He served as a specialized draftsman for over 50 years, working for various companies in the Kansas City and Lincoln, NE areas.
Paul enjoyed music all his life, and in high school, he was nominated for a prestigious competition for his saxophone playing. He shared his love of classical music with his grandchildren, introducing them to Fantasia, theater and regularly attending their musical performances. Additionally, Paul loved to tell stories, one of his favorites was how he met his first wife.
In 1978, at the age of 55, Paul’s family invited him to Omaha for the horse races. Unbeknownst to him, it was a ploy to set him up on a blind date with the widowed Shirley Klein (z”l). They were married a few weeks later.
By the end of the summer, Shirley and her youngest son, Eddie, moved to the Kansas City area to join him. Paul and Shirley were married for 18 years until she passed in 1996. In 2001, Paul married longtime family friend, and mother of his daughter-in-law, the widowed Elaine Bornstein Gordon (z”l). After ten years of marriage to Elaine, Paul was widowed for the second time in 2011.
In 2012, Paul’s grandson, Aaron, took up residence with his Zayde. Despite a 60-year age difference, they formed a close and profound friendship. Eventually, they were joined by Aaron’s fiancé Bridgett. Aaron and Bridgett provided exceptional care to Paul throughout his final years and were by his side during his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-son Mark Klein, and son-in-law, David Decker.
Paul is survived by his children, Ed and Alicia Gordon Klein, Michelle Gordon, Scott Gordon (partner Krissy George), and his beloved grandchildren, Aaron (fiancé Bridegett Tinnin), Hannah (fiancé Nick Hanemann), Deborah, Sadeh and Samantha Klein, and Hope Decker.
Contributions in Paul’s memory can be sent to Congregation Beth Shalom, or the charity of your choice. A private family service was held on Monday, May 11, 2021. Condolences may be shared at www.louismemorialchapel.com. (Arr. The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211.)
