Steven Grobstein, 66

Surrounded by family, former South Side High School guidance counselor Steve Grobstein died peacefully on Nov. 2 in his Cedarhurst home, succumbing to leukemia.

In her remarks at his funeral, his wife Dr. Gale (Gigi) Grobstein said she had lost her confidant, lover, travel companion — and her heart. She described Steve as a brave man who endured many health issues over the years with grace, wit and a positive spirit. Steve always fought to overcome his bouts of bad health and had rebounded from illness many times to enjoy life’s wonders and joyous events. He wanted very much to live a long life and to enjoy his family.

Steve and Gigi traveled on numerous occasions and in preparation, Steve would research and plan the details of each trip, finding hotels, restaurants, attractions and events in each destination. Relying on a good sense of direction and armed with a map, Steve always knew where he was going, and other tourists would even ask him for directions. At home, “Murray the Map,” as he was nicknamed, received phone calls from family and friends requesting specific directions. He forbade his wife to even think about getting any kind of navigation system.

Described as an engaging and empathic person, Gigi said Steve put his heart and soul into the people he encountered. He enjoyed his 18 years at South Side High School, as well as his days at Tilden High School and before that, at I.S. 320 in Brooklyn. He reveled in sharing his expertise with thousands of young people. His wife said he especially loved working with the staff at South Side High School — they were very special to him and treated him with great respect and admiration.

“He was a wonderful educator, counselor, colleague and friend,” said Laurie Levy, South Side High School’s supervisor of guidance and student support services. “He was beloved by students, teachers, parents and administrators — everyone in the Rockville Centre community. He will be missed.”

Principal Dr. Carol Burris echoed those sentiments, saying, “It’s such a tragedy to lose Steve at the prime of his life. He was a wonderful counselor and devoted colleague who enjoyed his career and loved South Side High School. 

"During the service Steve’s [family] commented on how much affection he had for South Side and its students," Burris added. "He fought a brave and courageous battle for several years. We will miss him very much.”

In his eulogy, Steve’s dear friend and neighbor, Jess Resnick, quoted the English poet Alexander Pope. “In every friend we lose, we lose a part of ourselves; and in a true friend, the best part.” Steve touched many lives with his friendship, caring, loyalty, intelligence and love. But even in grief, Resnick said, Steve’s loved ones should remember, celebrate and treasure his life, and enjoy the abundance of wonderful memories of him.

In addition to his devoted wife of 37 years, Gale, Steve leaves behind his beloved daughters, Amy and Jenna (David) Yaches and the light of his life — his granddaughter, Emma. He is also survived by his brothers, Arty and Bob, sister Nina Carter, as well as his sister-in-law Bobbe and brothers-in-law Allen, Simon and Larry, Uncle Tully and Aunt Helen, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Donations in Steven Grobstein’s name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering for leukemia research, at www.mskcc.org, or to the Laura Rosenberg Leukemia Foundation.