YOUNGSTOWN – Richard W. Gross, 90, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, Sept. 2, 2018.
Richard was born April 13, 1928, in Youngstown, the son of Michael and Teresa Beni Gross. He was a lifelong area resident.
He was a 1947 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Richard played on the undefeated 1946 Woodrow Wilson Presidents football team. He was most recently inducted into the Woodrow Wilson Hall of Fame in 2014. He was involved in the Nick Bolkovak Golf Outing since its inception. He served in the Army following World War II. He worked as a roller at L.T.V. Steel at Brier Hill, retiring after 32 years of service. He then worked as a groundskeeper for St. Matthias Church for 8 years. He was a member of St. Matthias Church and it’s Holy Name Society. He was an usher, took part in decorating the church, and worked the Slovak Fest. He did not have a college degree, but he was an excellent teacher.
Richard is survived by his wife, the former Gertrude A. Cipkala whom he married May 17, 1952; his son, Richard (Connie) Gross of Toledo; his two daughters, Susan (Peter) Popovici of Stow and Karen (Jim) Shaffer of Boardman; two granddaughters, Joanie (Kevin) Murphy and Kati Gross, all of Chicago, Ill.; three grandsons, Eric (Sarah) Grosso, Alex Popovici of Stow, and Zachary Gross of Toledo; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, John and Michael; a sister, Dorothy Zetts; and sisters-in-law Mary (Edward) Bunofsky and Helen (Clarence) Cipkala.
Family and friends may pay their respects from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018, at St. Matthias Church of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 915 Cornell St., in Youngstown, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by the Very Rev. Msgr. Peter Polando.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home in Boardman.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Richard’s family.