Thomas Alexander Grimm

Tom passed away peacefully at Villa Riviera Assisted Living. He was born in Queens, New York, to Conrad and Leona Grimm. He graduated from Far Rockaway High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Adelphi University. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Rockefeller Brothers Fund for Theological Fellowship for Education. He attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree. In 1958 he did an internship in Westport, Mississippi, where he taught religion and conducted services. At the time, it was one of only two integrated facilities in the state. Upon his ordination in 1960, he became assistant minister at the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, Delaware. In 1962, Tom came to California as co-pastor of Hillside Community Church in El Cerrito. He married Judith Haskett, with whom he had two children.

In 1968, Tom completed a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology at San Francisco State University and became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He worked at Catholic Social Service and in 1977 entered private practice in Walnut Creek, California. Tom was also an active professional speaker with Bay Area Speakers Service speaking on relationship and personal subjects. He was also a member of Walnut Creek Rotary Club.

In 1991 Tom married Diane Rosenberg Steerman. After they retired, he and Diane moved to Santa Barbara. Tom is survived by his wife Diane Alexander, son Randall Grimm, daughter Erica Grimm, and granddaughter Alexandra (Sasha) Woolery-Grimm.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street, at two o’clock on Sunday, November 24. Contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church Justice and Outreach Fund or the environmental non-profit of your choice.