Elmer Gross

Elmer Gross January 31, 1917 - June 29, 2007 Elmer Gross, Professor Emeritus of Physical Education at Pennsylvania State University, died after a short illness on June 29, 2007, in Chandler, Arizona. A memorial service will be held in Sunland Memorial Park Chapel, Sun City, Arizona on August 11 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation or Envita Natural Medical Centers of America. Elmer Alfred Gross was born January 31, 1917, in Homestead. After high school he served a tour of duty in the Army and then earned a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During his Army and student years, he was a standout athlete in many sports and played in the 1942 NCAA basketball tournament for Penn State. Dr. Gross served in France and Germany during World War II and participated in the Normandy landings at Omaha Beach. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his actions in battle at St. Lo. Returning to Penn State as a graduate assistant, he earned his master's degree in 1947. He was an assistant basketball coach under John Lawther and became Penn State's head coach in 1950. In 1952 his team participated in the NCAA tournament, distinguishing him as the first person to reach the tournament as both a player and a coach. He ended his coaching career in 1954 with a Penn State team that finished third at the NCAA Final Four. Dr. Gross earned his Doctorate of Education degree and continued to teach at Penn State until his retirement as a full professor in 1978. He was active in many professional organizations and received the PSAHPERD Elmer B. Cottrell Award in 1972. After his retirement, Dr. Gross moved to Sun City, Arizona with his wife, the former Jane L. Candy, who died in 1980. He and his second wife, the former Lucia V. Gorman, enjoyed dancing and for many years performed with the Sun City Steppers and other dance groups. They also traveled extensively to many countries around the world. Lu Gross died in 2004. Dr. Gross is survived by sister Ruth Potts of West Mifflin; brother Fred Gross of Bradbury, Calif.; daughters Jennifer Phalon of Doylestown; Barbara Speyser of Annapolis, Md.; and Meg Middleman of South Pasadena, Calif.; son James Gross of Austin, Texas; stepdaughters Jan Barrington of Chandler, Ariz.; and Jami Sorenson of Ahwatukee, Ariz.; ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.