David Ian GROSS

News Death Notice

GROSS, David Ian, Lt. Col. USAF Ret. age 81, of Loveland, Ohio, formerly of Kettering, passed away on Tuesday September 25, 2012 at his home. Dave was a proud, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 39 years, son Kenneth Gross, daughters Barbara (Dr. Richard) Cunningham, and Jennifer (Michael) Sturgis, grandchildren, Harley Gross, Sophie Gipson, Emily (Michael) Nugent, Laura Cunningham, David, William and Fredrick Sturgis. Dave began his distinguished career with an undergraduate degree from Mount Allison University. He earned a masters degree in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech University. As a USAF navigator, Dave honorably served our Country flying multiple combat missions in Southeast Asia. He served as Director of various defense system programs, most notably the Air Launch Cruise Missile (ALCM), and the Tomahawk Cruise Missile in Washington D.C., prior to his retirement in 1978. Dave began his second career as a Professor at the University of Dayton. He was appointed Chairman of the Chemical Technology Department and developed the Environmental Engineering program. In 1995, he retired with the distinguished honor of Professor Emeritus. Dave enjoyed the opera, reading, computer science, and fine dining with his family. His passion for intellectual pursuits was matched only by his affinity for nature, gardening, generosity and compassion for people, and solving problems for those around him. A visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3440 Shroyer Rd., Kettering with a funeral service at 12 pm. Interment immediately following in David's Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Engineering Dean's Fund, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-2960. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.routsong.com.