Pitt's Bobby Grier remembered as a civil rights pioneer, devoted father

Bobby Grier was laid to rest Thursday, remembered as a civil rights pioneer who boldly stepped onto the football field at the Sugar Bowl in the midst of politically charged racial hatred.

Georgia Tech was playing Grier’s Pitt team that day — Jan. 2, 1956 — after the governor of Georgia, a segregationist named Marvin Griffin who was hoping to get re-elected, warned “the South stands at Armageddon,” if Grier was permitted to play.

Grier played and became the first Black player in Sugar Bowl history. Pitt lost 7-0, but the score matters little to those who attended the memorial service Thursday at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville.

What matters most is how Grier, who died June 30 at the age of 91, conducted himself before and during that game and from that day forward. He served in the Air Force for 12 years, joining a year after the Sugar Bowl, rising to the rank of captain after working with missiles and radar. He also was a US Steel supervisor, an administrator at Community College of Allegheny County and a member of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, helping provide caregiving for Veterans.

He was all those things, but he also was simply dad to his children, Rob Jr. and Cassandra.

“Little League coach, the person who picked me up from school,” Rob Jr. said. “Just an amazing guy, peaceful and patient and kind.”

“He made me go out and hit that baseball when I didn’t want to,” Cassandra said, recalling her father’s “quiet dignity.”

That character trait was most evident when Grier talked with his family about Pitt’s loss to Georgia Tech, a decision that was shrouded in controversy. Grier was called for pass interference in the first quarter, leading Georgia Tech to the game’s only touchdown.

Grier’s son and daughter said their dad talked about the play but without blaming the call on a referee’s prejudice. Pitt officials claim photographic evidence indicated the call was incorrect.

“He said it didn’t really bother him, but I know it bothered him. I know it did,” Rob Jr. said. “It mainly bothered him because it was his teammates who were affected. He didn’t want to be the one that messed it up for the entire team. That’s really kind of his biggest regret.”

Team was important to Bobby Grier because his teammates, with the backing of the Pitt administration, said, “No Grier, no game.”

“He said it humbled him more,” Rob Jr. said, “because it was such a blessing to be there, to have the support of the university and all of his teammates. He talked about his teammates because none of this would have happened without them. His teammates, when they were alive, would bring it up as one of the highest moments in their lives.”

Bob Rosborough, a member of Pitt’s 1956 Sugar Bowl team, attended the service Thursday. As recently as the 2023 season, Bobby Grier attended Pitt football games and tailgated with his teammates.

Among others attending the service was Valerie Gaydos, a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives/44th District. Gaydos attended Sewickely Academy with Rob Jr.

“I was supposed to be in Harrisburg (Thursday), but I voted remotely to make sure that I could be here for Robby,” she said. “It’s an honor to be here to give last goodbyes to Bobby Grier. He epitomized teamwork. He epitomized keeping your eye on the ball. That’s a real lesson for all of us.”

Added Cassandra: ““He would always instill in us to be the best. Don’t settle.”

The service was conducted amidst full military funeral honors, with the casket carried through a row of servicemen standing at attention with U.S. flags and ceremonial rifles.

Tom Gleason, chaplain of the South Hills Veterans Honor Guard, spoke of Grier’s military life in glowing terms.

“Here is a man who saluted this flag, served under this flag and is now covered by the beautiful colors of this flag,” he said. “For Robert, the guns of war are silent, the barracks are dark, the parade ground is empty. Robert has gone home to God.

“As the mournful strains of ‘Taps’ drift across the hills and the flag is folded, may the celestial honor guard escort him into the presence of the supreme commander where he may join his fallen comrades for the final pass in review.”