Jay P. Grossman OBITUARY
Jay P. Grossman, celebrated Riverside County attorney, passed away April 14, 2024, due to complications from a fall in his home. He was eighty-three years old.In his long career, he handled a number of high-profile criminal cases which eventually led to his appointment as a managing partner of the conflicts panel for Riverside County. He began his legal career during his service in the Vietnam War as a law clerk at the U.S. Army Post in Fort Benning, Georgia. While at Fort Benning, he met several civil rights leaders, including Freedom Rider and close friend, Margaret Leonard, as well as Andrew Young, Julian Bond, and Coretta Scott King, through his first wife, Sally Grossman’s earlier involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. These encounters inspired him to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney representing indigent clients. After his honorable discharge from the military, he began a career as a Public Defender in Riverside County where he worked under his beloved mentor and friend, Patrick Malloy. After entering private practice, he gained recognition for handling a number of prominent cases specializing in complex capital defense. A true animal lover, he had many beloved cats and dogs over the years, including his fiercely loyal miniature dachshund, Bogart, and his loving labrador, Barney. He was a devoted fan of UCLA basketball where his undergrad and law school attendance coincided with his “gutty little Bruins'” historic national championship runs under coach John Wooden.He is survived by his son Joshua Grossman and his daughter-in-law Maichen, as well as his grandchildren Emily Jay and Vita Sally Grossman. He leaves a beloved widow, Olivia Johnston, and his stepdaughter, Jackie Croy, her husband Phil King, and her sons Adam and David. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the Foster Army animal rescue: https://www.fosterarmy.org/