Tania Grossinger 1937-2015/
by Sergio Bitici/
It is with great sorrow that I note the passing of our dear family friend Tania Grossinger on July 19, 2015.
Tania was an author of numerous books, a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, a freelance writer and public relations consultant. She appeared on many TV and radio shows, such as the Today Show, Good Morning America, 20/20 and others. What is not widely known is that Tania appeared on ethnic Albanian radio in NYC and wrote articles in Dielli and Liria, Albanian-American newspapers. Tania also visited Albania as a travel writer to welcome democracy, shortly following the fall of communism. Albania and Kosovo have lost a great supporter and activist and will be missed by my family and me. I had the pleasure of acquainting her with numerous Albanian political and social figures, including: the former late President of Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova, Anthony Athanas, Papas Antonio Bellusci, Tahir Kerrnaja and Ekrem Bardha among others.

My family and I first met Tania over 35 years ago, when she worked for us as our public relations agent. Despite our differing political views – she was a staunch liberal and I am a conservative – we had a mutual respect for one another. She was one of my best advisers and a family friend, who kept me informed on all matters restaurant-related, as well as news on Albania or Italy that occasionally slipped by me. We took the attached photo on May 10th during a lunch at my restaurant; it is likely the last picture she took before she became ill of heart disease.

As I write this, I can only imagine that she would have had made many corrections to this remembrance (she always edited my published work or advertisings). At the same time, I know she would have appreciated the kind words. We will miss her and she will always be in our thoughts and hearts.

Sergio Bitici
July 20, 2015