Robert L. “Butch” Grosse, 71, of Worcester, died Sunday, March 1, 2009 at home surrounded by his loving family.

   He leaves his wife of 53 years, Lois (Kane) Grosse; four children, Susan L. and her husband Daniel O’Leary of Rutland, Robert W. and his wife Debera Grosse of Holden, Jeffrey F. Grosse of Ephrata, Penn. and Lori Slack of Rutland; five grandchildren, Matthew O’Leary, Melissa and Robert W. Grosse Jr., and Kelly and Richard Slack Jr.; two great-grandchildren, Liam and Megan O’Leary; a brother-in-law, Robert Santomenno of Worcester, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by two sisters, Betty Moody and Shirley A. Santomenno, and two brothers, William T. and John Grosse.

   Butch was born in Worcester, son of William T. and Ruth (Blakeslee) Grosse. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School. He worked in construction for most of his career, including many years as a cement finisher in the Bricklayers Union. He also worked for Fantasia Trucking Co. and the Massachusetts Dept. of Education. He was a member of the Auburn Elks, the Brown Square Civic Club, and the Eagles Club. He was an associate member of the Marine Corps League.

   Butch was a Harley-Davidson motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed bocce, playing cards and horse racing. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

   The Grosse family wish to thank all the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals for the terrific care they provided Butch over the past year. Calling hours are Wednesday, March 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Thursday, March 5 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations may be made to the Jewish Healthcare & Home Hospice, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester 01609 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham 01701.