JEFFREY GROS Obituary

Name: Visitation for JEFFREY GROS
Start: 2013-08-17T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-08-17T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Sancta Alberta Chapel on the campus of Lewis University

Brother Jeffrey Gros, 75, died in Chicago, IL on August 12, 2013. A De La Salle Christian Brother for 58 years, he was born John Jefferson in Memphis, TN, the son of Jeff and Faye (Dickinson) Gros. He graduated from Price College in Amarillo, TX, entered the novitiate of the Brothers in Glencoe, MO, in 1955, and professed his final vows in 1963. He received a BA and a MEd from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Brother Jeffrey earned an MA in Theology from Marquette University and a PhD in Theology from Fordham University. During his years as an educator, he taught in Evanston and Romeoville, IL, Glencoe and St. Louis, MO, and Memphis, TN. He was well known in the ecumenical movement for broadening its scope, published widely in theological journals and periodicals, edited numerous books on ecumenism, and spoke to various religious and educational groups throughout the world. Brother Jeffrey served ten years as Director of Faith and Order for the National Council of Churches and also for fourteen years as Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. More recently, he was the Distinguished Professor of Ecumenical and Historical Theology at Memphis Theological Seminary. In the fall of 2011 Brother Jeffrey returned to Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, as the Catholic Studies Scholar in Residence. He was president of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, consultant to the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the Archdiocese of Chicago, adjunct professor at Catholic Theological Union, and Dean of the Institute for Catholic Ecumenical Leadership. Survivors include his sister, Sister Joye Gros, OP, of St. Louis, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Visitation will be on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Sancta Alberta Chapel on the campus of Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville on Monday, August 19, at 9:30 am. Memorials may be made to the De La Salle Christian Brothers Retirement Fund, 7650 S. County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL 60527. Arrangements by: O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME, LOCKPORT www.oneilfuneralhome.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Aug. 14, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for JEFFREY GROS

8 Entries

August 8, 2024

Well Jeff... your spirit is probably amused at how the Legacy algorithm is slipping your past into our present moment. But, you already know you're not forgotten. Hopefully God doesn't mind your giving insightful lectures (with accurate dates) to legions of angels and regular folks who've managed to snag a seat in a special spot somewhere out there. Plenty hope to eventually get there. BTW...I don't need an algorithm prompt to remember you. See you later!

Jim & Sally Shelton

August 17, 2013

We consider Brother Jeff a dear friend as he always treated us as such. He was always very kind and encouraging whenever we saw him at the annual Society for Pentecostal Studies meetings. He reinforced our ecumenical leanings and modeled a loving ecumenical spirit to everyone around him. We will miss him as will many others! Our condolences to his sister and other family.

Ann Canale

August 15, 2013

Jeff was a believer in people and in the power of faith, a committed scholar who studied and wrote from a creative and loving point of view. For students and colleagues, he could wake us up to insights and lessons from the past that might benefit the present and future. Our families grew up together, thanks to Jeff's mom being my mom's best friend, making ties that bind.

Deacon Joseph Forgue

August 14, 2013

Brother Jeffery truly bore witness to the centrality of committed faith in a life of passionate service to others.

Br. Jeff loved sharing his life with many

Gregory Zeorlin

August 14, 2013

Mary and Tony Mahowald

August 14, 2013

Although we only knew and interacted with Jeff during the last few years of his life, we have felt particularly blessed in having had the opportunity to do so. We're confident that many others have been blessed through his huge and generous scholarship and goodness. Our condolences to you, Joye and to all of his De La Salle Christian brothers.

Mary and Tony Mahowald

Brother Jeff is loved by many. God bless him.

Gregory & Anne Zeorlin

August 14, 2013

Respect and sympathy to his sister and Jeff's family.
He made very large contributions to Christian unity in so many big ways.

Bruce Byrolly
Cambridge MD
[email protected]

Aug. 14, 2013

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