Richard Gerald Gross

1946 - 2013

BORN

1946

DIED

2013

Richard Gross Obituary

On the occasion of what would be his seventieth birthday, we remember our friend, Richard Gerald "Rick" Gross.Rick was born in San Diego to Gerald C. and Virginia R. Gross on November 16, 1946. He moved to the Oak Park neighborhood at four years old and attended Oak Park Elementary, Horace Mann Junior High, and Will C. Crawford High School.Rick was active in Oak Park Little League and Sunset Pony League, becoming an accomplished pitcher. On Aug. 1, 1960, he pitched his dream game against Encanto Pony League: no hits, no runs, no errors, and his own home-run won the game for Sunset.Rick was a survivor of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Army, 335th Transport Company, Task Force Oregon, from 1964 to 1967. After the service, Rick returned to San Diego where he worked at various automotive parts businesses until moving to Northern California. There he worked in the metal fabrication and metal supply industries, ending his working years in the industrial ceramics business.A self-taught and talented artist, Rick created many beautiful oil paintings in the Impressionist style. He also expressed his remarkable artistic talent in charcoal and pencil drawing.Excelling at any sport he played, golf became Rick's consuming passion. He was a low handicap golfer, and was particularly proud of the enviable scores he posted at Pebble Beach. Rick's life came full circle when he returned to live in the family home in San Diego, where he passed away peacefully on July 18, 2013. He is survived by his sister, his nephew, extended family, and the many friends that he loved and who cherished him and his friendship. Rick was a one-of-a-kind guy who made us laugh and smile, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. His friendship was his gift to us , for which we will be forever grateful. Richard Gerald Rick' Gross November 16, 1946 - July 18, 2013

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 16, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Gross

7 Entries

Susan Cornell

November 26, 2016

I met Rick 52 years ago. He was 18 and I was 15. He was my first love. He was quite a charmer back then and I have so many fond memories of him. They say you never forget your first love and I know that's true because I never forgot about
Rick. I've thought of him fondly over the years and I'm glad that he had such a good life doing all the things that made him happy. He'll always remain in my heart.

Dana Carr

November 18, 2016

Rick was a great guy. We went to Horace Mann together. He was a good friend with a gentle sense of humor.

Joanne Marshall

November 17, 2016

Rick was a wonderful person and one of my brother Rick's best friends. They went to Oak Park, Horace Mann & Crawford together. I know they are now up in Heaven together having great fun and keeping it lively!

Sammy Gross

November 16, 2016

When I think of my cousin I remember how athletic he was....he was a born natural that could always hit a home run. I was amazed at the many drawings and art work that he created and wished he could have shared his work with the world. Even though Rick served in Vietnam he didn't let that destroy what he wanted in life....he was someone that from the start could evaluate what kind of person you were. If you were on his "team" you would have a friend for life. Once he returned home to San Diego I was glad to assist him with his parents estate and in so doing we recalled many happy times being a member of the "Gross" family. Thru it all he tried to remain steadfast but eventually the illness took my friend... somehow I know that God needed him on His team...he is at rest now with his parents and more...love and miss you cuz...cheers to YOU...you remain in our hearts forever.

Mike Abbott

November 16, 2016

Hey My Friend,
Who would have ever thought I'd be trying to write a memory like this 64 years ago? We went thru a lot together and got into a lot of trouble together, but we always stayed best friends. From Cub Scouts to Oak Park to Horace Mann to Crawford to our first job at Palomar Mortgage Company. The Volkswagen race cars (so we thought). The fun we had at College Grove and then Mission Valley even tho we had to hitchhike there. The girls were all worth it. Then you show up out of the blue at my barracks in Viet Nam. I asked how you got there and you said "I caught a hop on a helicopter." I won't go into details. Wow--I miss you greatly buddy and hope to get to see you again someday, but we have to stay out of trouble up there. Love, Mike

November 16, 2016

Today marks not only your 70th birthday but also 40 years since we met. Ours is an enduring friendship, full of good times and shared life experiences. Thanks for being my friend. I miss you, Ricky....
Linda

November 16, 2016

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

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