Robert “Bob” Grossfeld, a veteran political strategist, award-winning journalist and public affairs consultant, educator, and widely respected voice in Arizona politics, passed away at the age of 76 on January 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona.
Born and raised in the Detroit suburb of Oak Park, Michigan, he was an active member of his local AZA fraternity, where he made some of his dearest friends. He swam, dove, and wrestled in high school. That connection to the water stayed with him throughout his life—he loved the ocean, beaches, and scuba diving. He was also a member of the high school debate team—a preview of his long and successful career in communications.
Grossfeld went on to attend Michigan State University, earning both a B.A. and M.A. in Communications, where he met his bride-to-be. He joined the AEPi fraternity and later became President of the Associated Students of Michigan State University, helping form a statewide alliance of the state’s public universities to lobby the General Assembly on behalf of university students.
Grossfeld had a lifelong love for music, putting together radio sets as a disc jockey for Detroit’s first rock station, WABX, and organizing the first on-campus concerts featuring Jefferson Airplane, Rod Stewart, and more. He continued in radio and broadcast journalism with numerous local stations in Michigan, New Mexico, and Arizona—earning a reputation as a talented news editor and powerful communicator.
It was while a TV news reporter in Lansing, Michigan, that Grossfeld locked horns with one of the state’s most powerful broadcasters when he led the drive to unionize the staff of WJIM-TV and demanded truthful reporting.
Grossfeld went on to serve as Communications Director and press secretary for U.S. Congressman Bob Carr in Washington, D.C. His later roles in government included Assistant to the President of the Arizona State Senate and Communications Director for the Arizona Department of Education.
After stints in journalism and government, Grossfeld founded and led numerous progressive political and public affairs companies, including Hart – Grossfeld Productions, Grossfeld/Severns, The Media Guys, iFilms, The Arizona Guardian, and Politicare—helping shape political discourse and public policy at the local, state, and national levels. His clients ranged from candidates for school board, to Congress and President, to national advocacy organizations and labor unions.
An accomplished educator and mentor, Grossfeld also taught communication and public speaking at multiple colleges and universities and was known for his generosity with time, insight, and encouragement. A frequent guest on radio programs and Sunday morning talk shows, he was often called upon for his sharp analysis of national and local politics.
Beyond his professional titles, however, it was Grossfeld’s wisdom and compassionate spirit that truly defined his character. He leaves behind a legacy of civic engagement, fearless communication, and an enduring impact on public life in Arizona and beyond. He always welcomed a thoughtful political conversation with folks of like mind as well as differing opinions. He especially loved his Friday lunches with friends from the local Democratic party committee. He believed authenticity beats gimmicks, that good communication begins with listening, and that the message is not what you say—it’s what people hear.
Above all of this, though, his greatest accomplishment was that of a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather—Pops, Papa, and Poppie—titles he wore with beaming pride. He was also a huge dog lover, and it was a comfort to his family that his beloved dog was by his side when he passed.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Teri Krull; children, Josh (Angela) Grossfeld of Chevy Chase, MD, and Amy (J.D.) Simon of Gilbert, AZ; grandchildren, Jack, Charlotte, and James Grossfeld, and Emerson Simon; sister, Liz Meyers, and brother, Jim Grossfeld; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tim Grossfeld and Betty Meyers.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Arizona on March 7, 2026. For updates on time and location, please register here.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert J. Grossfeld Endowment at the University of Arizona School of Journalism, which supports aspiring broadcast journalists and honors Bob’s lifelong commitment to truth, storytelling, and mentorship.