1911 – 1991

Robert was born on December 26, 1911, in Newark, New Jersey. His pursuit of better health began after he was inspired by the writings of physical culturist Bernarr Macfadden and natural foods advocate and radio lecturer Alfred W. McCann.

While in school, he became a professional boxer to support himself and performed exceptionally well in the ring. However, he eventually chose to leave boxing behind to pursue a career in medicine. He enrolled at Duke University and studied there for two years. During this time, he boxed at Duke and helped to coach the boxing team. Unfortunately, the Great Depression made finances difficult, forcing him to leave school and relocate to Arizona. During this period, he strayed from his health principles and vegetarian lifestyle, focusing on business pursuits.

In 1938, a conversation at Zinn’s Health Food Store in his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, introduced him to the works of Dr. Herbert Shelton. Inspired by Shelton’s writings, he resumed his vegetarian lifestyle and recommitted to his health principles.

In 1941, he enlisted in the Army and served five years in the infantry, eventually rising to the rank of Captain. Even during combat, he adhered strictly to his vegetarian principles, avoiding meat, fish, and poultry throughout his service. He became one of the most well-liked members of his unit—particularly at mealtimes—when he would trade his meat rations for his comrades’ vegetables. On the front lines, he often survived on little more than biscuits.

While sailing aboard the S.S. Abraham Lincoln from Norfolk, Virginia, to take part in the invasion of Southern France, he was assigned to a special infantry group. The food on board was so greasy and unwholesome that he couldn’t eat it, and the ship’s water supply had not been desalinated. As a result, he undertook a five-day dry fast. Ultimately, due to the lack of fresh vegetables and clean water, he was forced to end the fast.

During a two-day fast while in combat in Italy, he learned from a fellow soldier—Lt. Frank Piazza of Rochester, New York—about a man in his hometown who practiced Natural Hygiene: Dr. Christopher Gian-Cursio. After being discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to New York City and went into business. It was there that he discovered Jack Dunn Trop’s Health Food Store. Through Jack, he was invited to a lecture at Steinway Hall, where he had the opportunity to meet Dr. Gian-Cursio in person. He later referred several individuals to Dr. Gian-Cursio’s fasting facility and witnessed their significant health improvements through the application of Natural Hygienic principles. These firsthand observations, combined with his deep interest in health and physical culture, as well as the foundational knowledge from his pre-med studies at Duke, led him to question the effectiveness of conventional medical and surgical practices.

Before returning to school, he brought his son to Dr. William Esser’s Health School in Charleston, South Carolina. During their time there, he continued to study under Dr. Esser, deepening his understanding of the Hygienic lifestyle. He also revisited the extensive writings of Dr. Herbert Shelton, further broadening his knowledge and commitment to Natural Hygiene.

Upon returning from Dr. William Esser’s Health School, he resumed his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University. He then pursued further studies in both osteopathic and medical schools in the United States over the course of three years. His academic journey, however, was intermittently interrupted as he periodically returned home to help care for his son.

During his studies, he concentrated on the basic sciences, with a particular emphasis on physiological chemistry. However, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the medical school approach to health, which he felt focused more on disease management than true health promotion. Ultimately, he transferred his graduate credits and pursued a Ph.D. in biological chemistry, which he earned in 1957 from St. Andrews University in Scotland. His doctoral thesis was titled “Fasting and Realimentation.”

After completing his studies in Europe, which included time at the School of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Rome in Italy and the School of Medicine at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, he continued his education at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathy in Pennsylvania. To meet state licensing requirements and gain authorization to use diagnostic instruments, he enrolled at the Chiropractic Institute of New York. There, he received credit for his previous coursework and earned his degree in 1957. He was subsequently licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and Kentucky.

Dr. Gross played a key role—alongside Jack Dunn Trop, Irving Davidson, Henry Sherman, and others—in founding the New York Natural Hygiene Society. He served as its president in 1956 and later chaired the American Natural Hygiene Society’s national convention in New York City in 1958.

In 1957, he established a private practice in New York City, working as a nutritional consultant. Over the next two years, he traveled extensively across the country, delivering lectures and providing consultations to patients.

Joy’s journey toward better health began in her teenage years, when she struggled with severe acne and psoriasis. Conventional medical treatments offered her little relief, and out of desperation—and a deep sense of social isolation—she began researching nutrition on her own. Determined to heal, she adopted a vegetarian diet, eliminated fried and sugary foods, cut out soda and unhealthy fats, and embraced a healthier lifestyle. Over time, these changes brought noticeable improvements in her condition.

Robert met Joy at the Natural Hygiene conference between 1956 and 1957 and eventually married.  In 1959, Robert and Joy, along with their blended family—Joy’s three children, Louis, David, and Betsy, and Robert’s son, David—joined forces with Dr. Clyde K. Miller to establish the Pawling Health Manor. They purchased a stately old mansion overlooking the Hudson River, transforming it into a retreat centered on health and Natural Hygiene. The 15-acre property featured a grand three-story white mansion as its centerpiece, a six-unit motel at the rear, and a gazebo by the pond with scenic views of the river. A gymnasium perched on the hill housed a regulation-sized boxing ring, once used by famed trainer Cus D’Amato to train young fighters. As word spread about the gym, Joy began offering calisthenics classes to women from the Rhinebeck area, in addition to working with the Manor’s clients. The facility could accommodate up to 50 guests, providing a peaceful and health-focused environment for healing and rejuvenation.

At Pawling Health Manor, each guest was approached as an individual, with careful attention given to their unique strengths, weaknesses, susceptibilities, and vulnerabilities. The staff worked to understand both the emotional and physical challenges of each person, offering guidance tailored to their specific needs. Robert was known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, earning a reputation for honesty and clarity. Over the years, he and Joy served more than 50,000 guests who came to the Manor seeking healing and transformation.

Their work was rooted in science and careful observation, rather than conjecture or mere empiricism, and the results spoke for themselves. As a result, they earned the respect of the medical community. Many physicians, along with their families, came to the Manor to fast and learn the principles of health. Their approach garnered attention from leading health and wellness magazines, helping to spread the word about their innovative methods.

Over the years, Pawling Health Manor welcomed a diverse array of notable guests, including actress Cicely Tyson, jazz musician Miles Davis, Veronica Lake, Leigh Taylor-Young, Shelley Winters, and Pat Suzuki. Opera star Grace Bumbry, jazz legend Charles Mingus, columnist Robert Lipsyte, and Teddy Brenner, president of the Madison Square Garden Boxing Club, also visited. Other distinguished guests included Robert Earl Jones, Dick Gregory, Jerry Stiller, Kate Mostel, and Madeline Guilford. Writers like Judith Rossner and Lois Gould stayed, as did prominent figures such as Mrs. Louis Nizer, Mrs. George Peppard, Mrs. William D. Morris, and Becky (Mrs. Stanley) Kramer. Medical professionals like Dr. Charles Goodrich, former Director of Community Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, and Dr. Max Novitch, Clinical Director of the New Jersey College of Medicine, also sought the Manor’s healing approach.

Robert and Joy earned a well-deserved reputation as experts in the field of obesity. Over the years, they cared for thousands of individuals struggling with persistent weight issues, dedicating themselves to a comprehensive study of the causes of obesity from both an emotional and physiological perspective. Located near the New York metropolitan area and other major eastern cities, they attracted a large number of overweight clients. They recognized obesity as one of the most significant challenges in health, understanding that excess weight is often a reflection of both emotional and physical imbalance.

At the Manor, these individuals received care based on Hygienic principles and were introduced to an intensive educational program. As a result, many experienced not only weight loss but also a broader transformation in their overall health. While their clients initially came with the goal of shedding pounds, they left with a deeper understanding of Natural Hygiene, gaining valuable insights that helped them address and eradicate a wide range of health issues.

Dr. Gross considers his greatest achievements to be the lectures he delivered—whether at hospitals or on nutrition for athletes—which were recognized by the American Medical Association. He also spoke regularly across the country for the Association of Ringside Physicians, where he served as National Secretary-Treasurer. Additionally, he was a proud member of the New York Academy of Science. However, his greatest source of satisfaction came from witnessing the transformative successes of the thousands of sincere and cooperative guests at the Manor. These individuals saw their lives changed through long-term adherence to the health principles they discovered through fasting and educational experiences at the Manor.

Joy and Robert believed that educating individuals about the innate potential and health capabilities of their bodies, guiding them on the path to wellness, offering personalized advice, and overseeing their progress was deeply rewarding. However, practicing as a Natural Hygienist in the United States proved challenging, as no state formally recognizes the practice of Natural Hygiene. Unlike conventional medicine, the Hygienic practitioner refrains from using medications, injections, pills, or surgery. Unfortunately, their guidance and teachings are often misinterpreted as medical practice. For those wishing to pursue a career as a Natural Hygienist, they strongly recommended attending a recognized healing school that offers a legitimate, accredited doctorate.

In retrospect, Robert and Joy Gross’s life exemplifies the profound impact of adhering to one’s principles in the pursuit of health and well-being. Their unwavering commitment to Natural Hygiene was a testament to the power of individual determination and the belief that true health transcends mere absence of disease. As a pioneer in the field of nutrition and health education, they not only transformed their own lives but also inspired countless others to reconsider their approaches to wellness.

The Pawling Health Manor was a legacy of their dedication, where thousands found solace and healing through holistic practices. Reflecting on their remarkable journey, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our bodies and minds, embracing the potential for transformation within each of us. Their story encourages us to explore our own health journeys, to question conventional wisdom, and to pursue a lifestyle that honors our unique needs and aspirations.

Robert passed away on January 18, 1991, at the age of 79. Joy continued to operate the Pawling Manor until 1993-1994 and passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 95.

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Recollections from Betsy Jacaruso – daughter of Joy Gross

Quote:
I was six years old when we moved to the Pawling Health Manor in 1959.  They taught me not to be afraid to be different, but to quietly lead by example. 

I have many meaningful memories of growing up at Pawling Health Manor, where I worked alongside my parents for many years in nearly every role, including night duty, serving food, cleaning, assisting with Saturday food demonstrations, and teaching yoga and meditation classes.  My parents were brave pioneers in their field and very passionate in promoting natural hygiene and helping others.  I watched many guests leave inspired and in better health with a new outlook on life.  One always stands out as he arrived in a wheelchair and left with a cane.  Some stayed for months and became like family.

In the early years, people in our town thought we were very weird. I got teased for never having tasted a hamburger or steak.  Eventually, my friends would always want some of the exotic fruits I brought to school in my lunch, and I would bring more mangoes, papayas, and strawberries to share, as they only had bananas and apples.  My parents would always serve vegetarian meals when guests were invited for dinner, and they would learn that you can create delicious and interesting vegetarian dishes.  Over time, my parents became deeply immersed in and respected by the community, and they were involved in numerous local causes.  Many friends became more interested in their unique lifestyle.  Indeed, Bob and Joy were ahead of their time.

–Betsy Jacaruso

The NHA wishes to remind the readers that nothing in this or other publications is intended to constitute medical treatment or advice. Readers should be aware that some previous publications do not reflect the NHA’s current health teachings or approach to health in several areas.

Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthy living. We recognize the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

We communicate the benefits of a plant-based diet, exercise and rest, a healthy environment, psychological well-being, and when indicated, the use of fasting.