Submitted by: Dan Rich

William Henry Gross

Nov. 14, 1921 - Dec. 4, 2007

South Bend Tribune 12/7/2007
SOUTH BEND - William Henry Gross, 86, passed away on December 4, 2007, in New Port Richey, FL. Born November 14, 1921, in Patterson, NM, Bill was the only child of Leo and Mary Gross. Bill enlisted in the Navy in 1942, served four years, and was honorably discharged in 1946 as gunner's mate 2nd class. Five bronze stars and multiple ribbons, including the Good Conduct Medal, detail his service in the Asia Pacific, European, African and Middle Eastern Campaigns. Bill attended the USS Stockton's (his ship of service) annual reunions, and served as event chairperson with his wife Esther on several occasions.

Bill married Esther Irene (Gonzoerk) Gross in 1946 in Michigan City, IN, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage to Esther, who survives. Together, they had three children, Paulette A. (Gross) Perkins, who passed away in August 2006, William L. (Barb) Gross of Galesburg, MI, and Kenneth P. (Betsy) Gross of Southlake, TX. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A special part of Bill's life was a special relationship with his grandson, Michael P. Perkins, MD, captain, U.S. Army. A life member of the Knights of Columbus, Bill devoted many hours weekly in service and served as Deputy Grand Knight of the Father Ferrell Council #6476. Bill and Esther resided in South Bend, IN, from 1949 to 1986.

After 29 years of service, Bill retired as manager of the steel fabrication shop within the Dodge Manufacturing/Reliance Corporation. Bill and Esther attended St. Matthew's Catholic Church, and he was two-time president of Assemblers Catholic Dance Club. His longtime hobby and second income entailed rebuilding and restoring automobiles, an interest acquired partly from his early 1950s employment with Studebaker Automobile. Bill and Esther moved to New Port Richey, FL, for retirement in 1986, where Bill enjoyed reading, traveling, studying history, and military history in particular. Bill was very personable, a great conversationalist, and had lived a very full and honorable life. Bill was a kind, giving and loving man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Monday, Dec. 10, in Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, New Port Richey, at 11:30 a.m., and friends may call Sunday in the North Meadowlawn Funeral Home from 3 to 8 p.m. The Knights of Columbus will have a Rosary service on Sunday at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd., Hudson, FL 34667. North Meadowlawn Funeral Home, New Port Richey, FL (727-849-9281), is handling arrangements.