Korean War Veteran John A. Gross Dies at 94

Korean War Veteran John A. Gross Dies at 94

John A. Gross, a beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the age of 94 in Rhode Island. Born Johann Alexander Gross on July 18, 1929 in Didkiemis, Lithuania, he was the son of the late Alexander and Lydia (Krompholz) Gross. John grew up on his family farm with his cherished horses. During World War II, his family was forced to flee their homeland, Lithuania and settled in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt, Germany.

 

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John was always seeking greener pastures and new opportunities, and in 1952 he came to America to fulfill his dreams. He joined the United States Army, became a US citizen, and served his country honorably during the Korean War. While stationed in Germany, he found the love of his life (Luise) at a dance. John eventually arranged for Luise to come to America where they married and settled in Danbury, CT. Together, they built their lives around a commitment to raising four daughters based on principles of hard work, respect for nature, love of music and gardening, yearning for knowledge, and always striving for excellence. He was employed as a Tool & Die Machinist for many years at Schlumberger, in Ridgefield, CT, and later moved to Washington Depot, CT. A skilled craftsman, he also loved to make things with stainless-steel metal, wood and other materials, creating many beautiful pieces which we will always cherish. If it was broken, John could fix it.

 

He dreamed big and always wanted to have horses in life. He was able to fulfill that dream, particularly with his treasured horse, Lucy. John enjoyed training Lucy in Dressage and watching her perform in competitions. He also loved to bring people together, to share a meal, and to enjoy a string quartet and a nice stroll along the Shepaug River in Steep Rock Park. For one of his get togethers, John handed out party favors with special personalized glassware printed with the words that he lived by… kind, hope, trust, care, reward.

 

John was the beloved father of four daughters, Deborah E. Gross of Danbury, CT, Judith G. Spinazzola (Gianni) of Narragansett, RI, Dr. Monica L. Gross of Narragansett, RI, and Cynthia G. Buzaid (James) of Lake Grove, NY; and grandfather of seven grandchildren, Chiara and Bianca Spinazzola of San Clemente, CA, Luca and Angelica Spinazzola of Narragansett, RI, Jacqueline Buzaid Chambers (Marqus) of Brick, NJ, Luke Buzaid of Parsippany, NJ, and Christopher Buzaid of Lake Grove, NY. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two sisters, Johanna Runke and Emma Krompholz, of Germany. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Europe.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation from 3-4 pm with a Memorial Service to follow at 4 pm on Saturday, November 25, 2023 in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown, RI. His burial will be privately held at the convenience of the family.

 

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to Steep Rock Association, PO Box 279, Washington Depot, CT 06794; https://steeprockassoc.org/donate/