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Robert

(H.)

Gross, Sr.

Obituary

Robert (“Bob”) H. Gross, Sr., a war hero, patriot, business pioneer, political leader, and active contributor to the development of West Hartford, died Friday, February 17, 2017. He was 96. Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late Sigmund and Anna Rebecca (Saltman) Gross. He was a 1938 graduate of Weaver High School in Hartford and attended Boston University before entering the U.S. Armed Forces in 1942. He flew 33 missions over Europe as a flight navigator during World War II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Five Clusters, and the Purple Heart. During the War, he narrowly escaped death twice. He survived a runway crash. Also, on D-Day, when navigators were ordered not to fly with their planes, his plane and crew never made it back. After the War, and even recently, he made a point of contacting and visiting the relatives of all of his fellow crew members from that plane, as the last American to see these young soldiers alive. Most recently, he was “knighted” by the French Government as a “Chevalier” for his distinguished service in World War II. Returning to Hartford after the War, Bob became a pioneer in recycling and a leader in developing the region’s recycling industry. He was President and Founder of Gross Paper Corporation in Hartford and Vice President of the Eastern Paper Mills Association. Bob became intensely committed to the West Hartford community. He served as Deputy Mayor and a member of the Town Council for the Town of West Hartford. As an elected official, he was a strong advocate for strict construction and traffic zoning to preserve the natural beauty of the town. He served as President and a member of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Beth Israel in West Hartford; he also served as Chairman of the Cemetery Committee. He was a past President and member of the Board of Directors of the Hebrew Home, President of West Hartford Fellowship Housing, and President of the King Philip Elementary and Junior High Schools’ PTAs. Devoted to family, Bob and his loving wife of 73 years, Cynthia, had a long history of caring for elderly and infirm relatives in the couple’s own home. Among their long-term boarders were Zelak Max (Cynthia’s father), Simon Weber (Cynthia’s uncle), Sarah Rothman (Bob’s aunt), and Evelyn Marholin (Cynthia’s sister). Bob leaves his wife Cynthia (Max) Gross; their sons, Andrew Gross and his wife Donna of Bloomfield; Robert Gross, Jr. and his wife Karen of West Simsbury, and Sigmund Wissner-Gross and his wife Elizabeth of Great Neck, NY; their eight beloved grandchildren and their spouses and partners: Sarah Gross and William Petras, David Gross and Dana Slater, Robert Gross III and Sarah Quish, Peter and Kim Gross, Alex Wissner-Gross and Tim Sullivan, Zach Wissner-Gross and Randi Goldman, Philip Gross, and Mitchell Gross. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren: Sophia Gross, Benjamin Gross, and Wyatt Gross. He was predeceased by his sister, Lina Podnetsky. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 19, 2017 in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105 with Rabbi Michael Pincus officiating. Interment will follow in Beth Israel Cemetery, Affleck St., Hartford. Following the interment the family will receive relatives and friends at the family residence in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple Beth Israel or to a favorite charity . Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Bob, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.

Funeral

Deceased On:

Thursday, January 1, 1970

Service Date:

Thursday, January 1, 1970

Guest Book For

Robert Gross, Sr.

(H.)

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From: Les Meyer

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 23, 2017

My connection with Bob is that for several years we both swam at Cornerstone Pool in West Hartford and would chat in the locker room. He loved to express his opinion, whether in the locker room, in a letter to a newspaper, or by an email to the town manager. I learned a lot from him about how a citizen can actively participate in local government even without being elected (although he, of course, had indeed been elected). And this was all when he was in his very senior years -- I can only imagine what he was like when he was younger! He was the real deal, and we are all the poorer for his loss. My condolences.

From: Sean Welch

From Chorley, Lancashire

Posted On: February 23, 2017

In the early 1970s along with my brother Kevin we found the crash site of a B-24 called "Misery Agent". In the 1990s as the internet developed we made attempts to find detail of those affected by the loss of this aircraft, because we had the story of what had happened. We were fortunate to be put in contact with Bob, who was a Navigator in the 34th Bomb Group and it was his crew that had crashed. Within a week he had booked a flight to England to see us. We took him to the crash site and to the American Cemetery in Cambridge. When he returned home he made it his mission to find the families of all of his 9 crew, that had died that day, 6th June 1944. The reason was simple, because like him they did not know what had happened or where. He achieved his mission, he found them all and his dedication brought closure to so many.
Our sympathies to the family Gross, from England, for the loss of a true Gentleman.

From: ruth (selwyn) stockinger

From naples, FL

Posted On: February 23, 2017

dearest cynthia,
my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. bob was so warm and genuine - he was a wonderful man with such an infectious smile! may bob forever rest in peace. love, ruth (selwyn) stockinger

From: Marie Wertheim

From Bloomfield, CT

Posted On: February 25, 2017

With deepest sympathy and fond memories

Marie House Wertheim

From: Richard H. Seidman, Sr.

From Palm Beach Garden, FL

Posted On: February 19, 2017

Bob was a dedicated public servant and community leader, always mindful of the needs of others. When we lived in West Hartford he and his beloved
Cynthia lived directly across the street from us. Family mattered more than anything to him. His devotion to them and to Congregation Beth Israel was incredible. His life was truly For a Blessing. Susan joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathies to Cynthia and his entire family.

Dick Seidman

From: Florence Abuza

From Hanover, NH

Posted On: February 19, 2017

Cynthia and Andy, Bob and Sig

Sorry to hear a great friend and American is gone. He was a wonderful help to me for many years.

Flo Abuza aka "Rebel"

From: Robert F. Doyle Jr.

From Broad Brook, Ct

Posted On: February 19, 2017

Condolences from Robert F. Doyle Jr., formerly of Dwight R. Judson Co.with memories of the '60'at 166 Locust St. in Hartford.

From: Jim Johnson

From Monticello, Mn.

Posted On: February 18, 2017

There are not words good enough to express our sorrow when we heard of Bob's passing. He was without a doubt one of a kind. Having known him was a gift that few people ever have. From Carol and I, our family and the entire family of SSgt. Jerome Helget, please accept our prayers and deepest sympathy.

Jim

From: Nan Glass

From Durham, NC

Posted On: February 18, 2017

Condolences to Bob's family and deepest sympathy to Cynthia. Bob was a hard worker on behalf of the town and though we often did not agree on issues, I always felt he was sincere in his arguements and we remained friendly. Again, condolences to all.

From: Barbara Horowitz Halpert

From West Palm Beach, FL

Posted On: February 18, 2017

I have so many fond memories but especially those of Bob and Cynthia taking daily walks around our block. After my father died they would stop in to see my mother and me every single day for months and longer just to "check in". The warmth of their hearts and generosity of spirits is a rarity and a shining example of how much we need other people and are needed by others, as well.

My love to the entire Gross family.

From: Robert and Joan Foster

From Washington Crossing, PA

Posted On: February 18, 2017

Our deepest and heartfelt condolences on yourthe passing of Robert. What a full, Rich and rewarding life Robert lived. We wish we could be there with you all tomorrow to offer our feelings and live in person.
We know you will be surrounded by many families and friends who both admired and lived Robert.
His incredible service to country,family, loved ones, as well as community is a legacy for all to emulate.
Robert was fortunate to have such loving family near him. This had to be of great co.fort to him.
All of his family,and friends lives have been made better by having Robert in everyone's life.
We extend our love and prayers to all in your time if mourning.
We love you all.
Bob and Joan Foster

From: Arlyn & David Bamberger

From Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Posted On: February 18, 2017

Bob led a life of caring for his family, friends neighbors and the Community. He will be missed by many people., It was our privilege to have known him.
ARLYN & DAVID BAMBERGER

From: Lila and Ted Madfis

From west hartford,

Posted On: February 18, 2017

We will always remember an outstanding giving man. His family have all good memories. He is resting in peace.Our love and deepest sympathy to Cynthia and his three sons. Lila and Ted Madfis

From: Robert K Swarthout

From Boca Raton, FL

Posted On: February 18, 2017

Robert H Gross was a remarkable man. He tracked down every family member of the crew of the Misery Agent, Liberator B 24 and not only visited them throughout the years, but kept in touch through letters, phone calls and emails! He shared stories with us and we hung on his every word. They were precious connections to those who lost fathers, uncles, and even great grandfathers. We had a visit with Cynthia and Bob where the propeller of the plane is promenantly in the living room. He was the only survivor, and thus had given life, shape and details to fill in elusive images of the missing. Bob's loyalty and legacy is honored today.

From: Niedomys

From West Hartford, Ct

Posted On: February 18, 2017

Heartfelt condolences to the Gross family and to an incredible man who has accomplished and achieved so much during his life. He was an inspiration.

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