Joseph Anthony Gross

August 14, 1930 - February 21, 2017

Joseph Anthony Gross, 86, of Houston passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Mr. Gross was born August 14, 1930 in Bellevue, Kentucky to Joseph and Antoinette Gross. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra S. Gross; children, Emily Gorman & husband Michael, Stephen Gross & wife Emily, Joseph Gross, Martin Gross & wife Jessica, Melanie Cancemi, Lauren Brice & husband Christopher; grandchildren, Christopher Gorman & wife Krysta, Jonathan Gorman & wife Lillian, Andrew Gorman & wife Paula, Erin Gorman, Ellen Gorman, Ryan Gross, Lance Gross, Marco Cancemi, Nicholas Cancemi, Alyssa Cancemi, Jack Brice, Julia Brice, Benjamin Brice; great grandchildren, Audrey Gorman, Grant Gorman and Corey Gorman as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Joe grew up in Northern Kentucky and attended Bellevue High School and Thomas More College in Crestview Hills Kentucky. After high school, Joe entered the United States Marine Corps during the Korean conflict and served his country, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Joe met the love of his life, Sandra in college, they were married in 1958 and started their family. Joe began his career in Chemical sales with Tenneco Chemical Co. in Cincinnati and moved to Houston in 1961. He spent the next 35 years in the chemical industry and established his own company in 1981 before retiring in 2002 to enjoy his family. Mr. Gross was a man of great faith. He was devoted to his family and his church. He was a very patriotic person with a generous nature and a keen sense of humor, always quick with a joke and a quip for every occasion. Joe enjoyed being together with his large family, playing golf, and talking politics. He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and a founding member of St. Edith Stein Catholic Church. Joe had an endearing personality and was loved by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed. The Gross family will be present to receive friends Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM with the Holy Rosary being recited at 4:30 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Monday, February 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. Mr. Gross will be laid to rest in Memorial Oaks Cemetery following Holy Mass. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Joe’s memory to Texas Right to Life or the charity of your choice.