William J. Gross Jr.

1960 - 2023

William Bill Jesse Gross Jr. passed away Monday, June 26, 2023, in Monroeville. Bill was born to William and Virginia Gross Sept. 20, 1960, in Ambridge. Bill was an avid football player and fan. He played defensive end for Quigley High School and Carnegie Mellon University, where he served as a two-year starter and graduated with a BS in Material Science. Bill went on to work for U.S. Steel before deciding to change his career path and become a high school teacher. He taught physics and math at Fort Cherry High School, where he also coached football, and then Perry High School in Pittsburgh. Bill is survived by his wife, Diane; and his three children, Jillian (Hayden) Dohnalek, Stephen Gross and Felice Gross. He is also survived by his sister, Marian (Bernie) Piet, and their daughters, Elizabeth Piet and Julia Piet; and his two brothers, Tom Gross and Gerald (Stacey La Forge) Gross. Bill was predeceased by his parents, William Gross and Virginia Skapik. Although Bill's professional career was shortened due to health complications, he never stopped serving as an educator and shining example of passion, resiliency and optimism for all of those around him. Bill consistently inspired his friends and family to seek out hope and happiness, especially in times of pain or uncertainty. Bill passed peacefully, surrounded by his family. Friends and family will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2023, at the JOBE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC. (MONROEVILLE/PLUM CHAPEL) 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville, 412-856-4747. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette Church-Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish at 10 a.m. July 1, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research. Please add or view tributes at www.jobefuneralhome.com.