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John Gross Obituary
John W. Gross, Jr., 95, entered the kingdom of our Lord at home March 2nd surrounded by family. John was born in a farm house in Emigsville, Pa. to Alice (Golden) and John W. Gross Sr., later relocating to Wernersville Pa, where he attended High School. In 1942 while attending Muhlenberg College, he enlisted to join the fight in Europe. After completing officers training, he became a B-17 pilot and served in the 95th Bombardment Group. He successfully completed 35 missions before returning home to his pre-war sweetheart, Arlene M. Lamm. They wed in 1948. In 1950, after relocating to Harrisburg Pa., John and his father began distributing Maxwell House coffee from their Harrisburg apartment. Sixty-seven years later, John Gross & Co. of Mechanicsburg remains a locally owned, 4th generation family business, providing foodservice products to restaurants and institutions throughout the mid-state. John remained active in the business until the time of his death as a "29-year-old man with 66 years of experience". John's life was the business and his family was the business. Arlene proceeded him in death in 2014. They are survived by their two daughters and a son, Kaye and Dean Sensenig of Sinking Spring, Diane and Jim LaRocca of Mechanicsburg, and Brian and Edie Gross of Orrstown, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. John was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church of Camp Hill, a member of the Zembo Shrine and West Shore Country Club where he had enjoyed his golf. Visitation is planned for Friday, March 10th from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Christ Community Church, 1201 Slate Hill Road, Camp Hill. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 11th at 11 o'clock at Grace Lutheran Church, 1610 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Grace Lutheran Church Kitchen Remodeling Fund.
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Scott Sweeney
February 28, 2025
I `ll never forget having met you a couple of times Mr. Gross. My Dad served on a sub in the Pacific and his brother survived Pearl Harbor. You were a Great American. God bless your wife for keeping you grounded once you came back home. You raised a wonderful family and ran a great community business. Gone, but not forgotten. Scott Sweeney Fort Myers, FL
Marsha and Val Stetler
March 4, 2022
Deepest sympathy for the death of John. He´s now a super angel up there with Arlene and his mother and father. I worked with John for years and loved every day with him. He was truly a loving, humble man. John will be missed by many people who knew him. Us, included!
Greg Thomas
February 28, 2020
John may be gone, but not forgotten. His impact to the community, the business that he built, and most importantly the partnership and friendships continue to be as strong as ever.
As we celebrate JGrossCo's 70th Anniversary of business, it reminds us of his dedication to provide the best customer focused service of any company I know. A core value of their mission is service and respect for each individual beyond measure.
Masonic Village Food Services Department is thankful for your commitment each day!
Scott Sweeney
March 10, 2017
Diane and family, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I've only lived in the area for five years, but have had the pleasure of meeting your Dad twice - once at the retail store and once at the office. He truly was a prime example of America's Greatest Generation - to grow up during the depression, serve his country with valor in WWII, come back home to marry his sweetheart, raise a family, start and run a successful business, and serve his community. May fond memories bring you comfort.
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Robert Bishop
March 10, 2017
Kind, respectful, generous, caring. These are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of Mr Gross.
He will be missed by all, but not forgotten.
My sympathies to the entire family and the John Gross Company.
EasyHearth Fireplace
Mary Barker
March 10, 2017
Brian, already put a message about your Dad earlier in the week...but want you to know that we are in FL now, until late April, and cannot attend the funeral. Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss and the entire John Gross Company.
Greg and Mary Barker
Wilcox Woodshop
E. Allen Street
Mechanicsburg
David Rippel
March 10, 2017
As a kid, I remember riding my bike into town and passing the The John Gross Company. Not knowing what they were all about at that time, I said to myself that one day I would work there. I just had a warm feeling about this company. Roughly 18 years later, I had the opportunity to do so after meeting with Mr. Gross and son Brian. They gave me my initial opportunity to pursue my career path in sales. The next numerous years, I had the pleasure of working closely with John Gross and the opportunity of seeing how much of a gentleman, caring and gracious person he was. He has definitely been one of the most influential people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. My condolences to the family and all those who John Gross has touched throughout the many years.
Stephanie Sferlazza
March 10, 2017
Mr. Gross never let a good deed go by without compliment. He always had a smile and words of encouragement for me when I worked at JG. He left a strong legacy.
Kevin Donlevy
March 9, 2017
Brian, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a generous, thoughtful, deliberate man. His sage advice was always direct and never off the mark, and was always very welcome. You must be proud when you reflect on all the good he brought to this world, and I for one am very honored to have known him. Our prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Vickie and Doug Hardy
March 8, 2017
So sorry for your loss. He was a great mentor and led by example. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Elain Brown
March 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. He left a wonderful legacy for his family!
Minnie Siegfried Our Daily Bread
March 8, 2017
John Gross was a wonderful man who provided me with many years of excellent service when I had my restaurant and catering businesses. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and condolences....
Marsha Stetler
March 8, 2017
I worked for John in the late seventies. He was not only a kind boss but a wonderful and generous human being . He would go out of his way to make everyone feel special . My daughter loved to go to the office with me on saturdays with hope to see Mr Gross . Our deepest sympathies to out to Kaye, Diane and Brian! Your father was truly " one in a million"!
Deborah Miller
March 8, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. John and Diane helped us back in 1985 when we started our restaurant, he was a wonderful man. God's peace to the family.
Verneda Hollinger
March 7, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. John Gross was a wonderful man with a beautiful
family. He always took the time to visit and give exceptional advise to me and my
daughter, Angie. We were so glad to have
known such a great business man.
Michael Zimmers
March 6, 2017
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Gross family. May god bless you all in this time of grief. Keep your memories close.
March 6, 2017
John was a wonderful, well-respected neighbor. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family. RIP.
Norm & Floss Batcheler
Lisa foust Lisa's Cafe
March 6, 2017
Wonderful business man especially for the small business people. I'm sure he will be missed.
Greg Thomas, Director of Food Services @ Masonic Villages Elizabethtown
March 6, 2017
Personally and on behalf of Masonic Villages, I thank your father for the leadership and kindness he taught your family and everyone he connected with. Each day you continue to provide 'Excellent Customer Service'. My last memory of Mr. Gross was the letter of gratitude I received in December 2016, for being a loyal and valued customer. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of your beloved father, grandfather,& friend. Sincerely-
Kathy Doyle Ft. Indian town Gap Community Club
March 6, 2017
My deepest sympathies to your immediate and company family.
March 6, 2017
A great man...wonderful golfing companion...friend. I will miss my daily visits to chat with you and purchase a usa today for you. and you and arlene will always be remembered as close friends who have moved on to an even better life.
Bob Hetherington
Thomas Tannozzini
March 6, 2017
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gross on a few occasions, he was a warm and welcoming man, RIP and thank you for your service!
Tina Stone
March 6, 2017
RIP JOHN GROSS you will always be remembered for the excellent service and fine products you delivered to my mom's restaurant in New Bloomfield. (Edies Restaurant)
Tina Foreman Stone (Edies daughter)
Michael Harants
March 6, 2017
What I'll remember most about Mr. Gross was his kindness and generosity for all, but especially to my children. When they were both little and would accompany me to the Grossery for a pick up, Mr. Gross always had a lollypop or something sweet for them both. The Grossery came to be known as the Lollypop Warehouse. Another example included preparing a for demo, I brought my son with me to help with clean up. He went off to get a drink and wandered into Mr. Gross's office who proceeded to engage Evan on a variety of topics, Evan wanted to know about Mr. Gross's WWII experiences as a pilot.the dishes piled up, but Evan has not forgotten that experience.
Mr. Gross set a standard for so many of us in the foodservice business and reminds us that kindness and respect go a long way.
Gregory and Mary Barker
March 6, 2017
As a business owner in Mechanicsburg adjacent to Mr. Gross's company, we are saddened to learn of his death. Will always remember him as a cordial neighbor, an astute business man and friend. Rest in Peace.
Donald Carter
March 6, 2017
Mr gross was the Real Deal! The last of an era of great American heroes. He was a true gentleman when you were around him you knew this man was very special. Condolences to my friends the Gross family but congratulation too one of the greatest heroes and gentleman this country ever had. Donald l Carter Jr
Jerry Sabol
March 6, 2017
I met John when I was on the Board of directors at the Dillsburg VFW. He was a gracious gentleman. He helped the club overcome some difficult times during the great recession. He gave me a brown coffee mug with his companies business logo. I still have the mug and use it for my one cup a day morning coffee. When I use the cup I fondly remembered John and his service to our country and I say a prayer for him. He was such a wonderful person. God bless him and the entire Gross family.
March 5, 2017
My sympathy to the family. Mr. Gross was a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers to family.
Robbin Misiti
Nick Dunphy
March 5, 2017
I have done business with the John Gross company for over 28 years. John set the example on how he wanted his family/associates to conduct business and treat his customers. John defined 1st class, always appreciating your business and trust that we gave him and his company. John will be missed, but his spirit and vision will always carry-on thru his dedicated family and associates. Rest in peace and my condolences go the the entire family!
Jay Myers
March 5, 2017
As I was a young man John Gross gave me a chance to work for him driving truck. He open my eyes to how customer service should be. He gave me the opportunity to sell products for him. As I moved on I always kept his busniess etiquette in mind. At the time I didn't realize this but became more evident as the year went by. On occasion I would think of stopping by just to talk to him about his time of being a b-17 pilot, but for me life got in the way, the excuse I will use. John was a good, proud, man and leaves a giant legacy on the Foodservice industry in South central Pennsylvaina. I have no doubt his passing legacy is left in good hands. Brian,Diane and the Gross family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kaye Sensenig
March 5, 2017
Thank you for your kind words. We are actually fortunate to have a lot of information and memorabilia from his time in the service. There is even a CD about his crew and his missions which we cherish. I spoke to the tailgunner, the last remaining member of his crew who lives in Idaho, after he passed away. Thanks again for taking the time to find the picture. So thoughtful.
MICHAEL SCHINDLER
March 5, 2017
I did not know John, but after reading of his passing in the paper I decided to do a search for more information. He served his country and the world, and I give thanks to him for his service.
Heros such as this will always be remembered, if not by name but for the freedoms we now have.
I have found this picture online to post. Oh the stories I am sure he could tell, but if he is like so many others who served during these times he probably took all those memories home with him, as did my Dad.
John Leonard
March 5, 2017
Mr. Gross set a standard as to how one should live, conduct their business, and respect others. My sincere condolences to his family.
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