Special Olympics volunteer honored

Grossman was elected local coordinator of Special
Olympics in 1997.

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — David Grossman, controller of the Home Savings and Loan Co., is the 2007 recipient of the John C. Vitullo Memorial Award for his 23 years of volunteer service to the Mahoning County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Special Olympics.

Grossman, along with his twin brother, Allan, began volunteering for the Special Olympics while they were sophomores at Ursuline High School.

“We were 15 then, and I have been involved ever since,” said Grossman, who, after graduating from Ursuline in 1986, became the Mahoning County Special Olympics track coach and track meet coordinator. He assisted the track team in local and state meets, volunteered for various sporting activities and helped organize the roller skating and swimming teams.

Grossman was elected by the MCMRDD Special Olympics Committee to the position of local Special Olympics coordinator in 1997.

Grossman, who ran track and cross country at Ursuline and Youngstown State University, coordinates the activities of the basketball, bowling, softball, track and volleyball teams. He also coaches the swim team and assists with other projects, such as the annual sports banquet and fundraisers and as the local spokesperson for the organization.

“David lives the role as coach, friend and mentor to many athletes, and strives to make each activity special for those participants. The fact that he has committed to serve MRDD individuals through Special Olympics for so many years, without having any family member using services, makes his volunteer service even more remarkable,” said Larry Duck, MCMRDD superintendent.

The John C. Vitullo Memorial Award, established in 1995, was presented to Grossman at the January board meeting. It is given annually to an individual who is a contributor to MRDD programs, is active in the community, and demonstrates support of family and friendship for others, said Duck.

Grossman, a certified public accountant, graduated in 1998 from YSU with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, majoring in accounting. He has been with Home Savings and Loan for seven years and operates a tax and accounting practice out of his Liberty office.

He is one of 10 children of John Grossman, of Austintown, and the late Carol Grossman, and grew up on Youngstown’s East Side.

“We were always taught to help others and do our best. If you are able to do something and help someone else, you do it,” he said.

Grossman and his wife, Rebecca, and his stepdaughter, Rhiana Ruddy, and their daughter, Caralyn, live in Girard. They are members of St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Youngstown.

Grossman said he gets satisfaction from his involvement in the Special Olympics when he sees the participants’ pride in their achievements. It builds self-esteem, confidence and positive relationships, Grossman said.

For himself, he said that “at the end of the day, I know I have helped somebody.” Also, he said, Special Olympics participants are a tremendous group of friends.

Grossman said the Mahoning County MRDD Special Olympics is funded solely by donations. No tax money is involved. He said anyone who wants to donate to the program can do so by sending a check or money order, made payable to the Mahoning County MRDD Special Olympics, to: Mahoning County MRDD Special Olympics, in care of the treasurer, 5132 South Turner Road, Canfield 44460.

alcorn@vindy.com