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Alan Gross Obituary
He was born May 30, 1935, in Camden, Maine, the son of the late Lloyd O. and Glennys A. (Kalloch) Gross. While living in Poquonnock Bridge in the 50's, and working at Ackley's potato farm, he soon earned the nickname "Cowboy" for his love of horses, and his ability to ride. He was well liked and had many good years of long term friendships. In 1957, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years near the Black Forest. When he returned, he worked at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics where he retired after thirty-six years.
As a teenager in 1950, his biggest claim to fame was being published in "Ripley's Believe it or Not" for having raised a fledgling crow, and teaching him to talk. As the crow grew, he would fly to greet Alan walking home from school calling Alan's name all the way. Alan loved the outdoors; gardening, chopping wood, feeding the birds and hiking at Bluff Point. He loved boating, fishing, golfing, was best at horseshoes, and was an avid dancer to country music, with a melodic singing voice. His family and friends will miss his wonderful sense of humor and his great gift for telling jokes.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Dziadul) Gross. He leaves two daughters from a previous marriage, Shelby Gross of Norwich and Aimee Gross and partner, Duke Marsh, of Keystone Heights, Fla.; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his four siblings, Dolores McCarthy of Norwich, Alexis and (Ann) Gross of Rochester, N.Y., Jeanine and (Victor) Lawrence of Waterford, and Anita and (Robert) Nelson of Old Lyme. He is survived by nine stepchildren, Kenneth (Alexa) Dziadul Jr., Melissa (Wayne) Kobe, Kim (Carl) Burr, Cheryl (Ron) Duvall, Mary Dziadul, Anthony (Natasha) Dziadul, Erin Dziadul, Craig (Samantha) Dziadul, and Coreen (Eric) Willis; and sixteen step-grandchildren. Alan is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, Alan R. Gross Jr.; his nephews, Edward J. Lawrence, and Allen C. Fernald Jr.
A memorial/funeral service is being planned for the warmer months, for which a Memorial notice will be posted at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gross
Steven Fratus
April 7, 2025
Rest in peace Alan. You are missed but we know you are in a far better place now. Until we meet again.
Steve Fratus
November 5, 2012
I'm sorry to hear that Al passed away. I used to date one of his stepdaughters years ago and he was always nice to me. I actually saw him and Cheryl at Wal-Mart in my town (Lisbon) a while ago. I had no idea he was ailing. He will be missed by all. Prayers go out to the whole family.
Aimee Gross
May 10, 2012
Aimee Gross
May 10, 2012
With love from Shelby
May 9, 2012
My heart, mind & arms are always open, Dad. Just letting you know, in case you decide to sneak down from Heaven for a minute. I could really use one of your hugs right now...
David Lawrence
May 3, 2012
To my Uncle Al. Our time together when I was a young man cutting wood included many moments of laughter and a bond that will always have value throughout my journey. You taught me respect and dignity to which I reflect everyday of my life. A swig of beer to you Uncle Al. Our memories will continue forever.
Your loving nephew,
David
Aimée Gross
April 29, 2012
A memorial date has been set. For further information, you are more than welcome to contact me by email for the details. Thank you to everyone for the kind words written about my father. He was indeed loved by many and will be missed terribly.
Everyone Who Knew Him Loved Him
April 27, 2012
Mr. Alan Rowe Gross, Sr. was so many things to so many people. He was a dependable, loyal, true friend 'til the end. To his loved ones, he was a stern but fair disciplinarian, nurturer & faithful provider- a respected confidant, protector, guardian, mediator & peacekeeper. He had a kind, empathetic, compassionate sensitive soul w/ a magnetic, charismatic, comedic, effervesent personality. He was an easygoing, funloving, illuminated, free spirit and he shared his smiles, laughter, jokes & hugs w/ everyone. Wise yet humble, courageous yet gentle, Mr. Alan R Gross, Sr. was simply a wonderfully unique man & a genuine human being.
Stan Clerici
April 25, 2012
My condolences for the loss of Alan. We enjoyed many days in wood lot, spending the last two years of his life cutting and splitting wood. I will fondly remember Alan. So sorry for your loss. Please contact me when the arrangements are finalized. (860 334-3810)
April 25, 2012
my cuz and I have shared a special bond that has sood the test of time and distance.he shall live in my heart forever..wayne vickery
carmichael,california
Jeanine Lawrence
April 23, 2012
April 23, 2012
To my younger brother: How I treasure the times we spent together, both growing up and sharing family get-togethers when our children were growing up. I have so many special memories of those days. It was great knowing how well you and Vic got along that made family gatherings so enjoyable.
You treated me as an equal, even though I was a pesky little tomboy who wanted to do all the things a boy could do.
One of my special memories was at one of the annual picnics that EB put on. We entered the horseshoe competition, and put a scare into a father/son team by almost beating them, because they always won every year.
I have said many times over the years that we should have shared some of our personality traits, like your easy nature, and my aggressive and stubborn nature, but maybe that is why we got along so well.
To hug you was like being in the arms of a big comfy teddy bear, and though I will always grieve at losing you on this earth, I know in my heart you are now at peace.
Your Loving Sister, Jeanine
P.S. Please give a good recommendation for me so I can join you in heaven when my time comes.
Anita L Nelson
April 22, 2012
There is no doubt in my heart, that I truly miss you and your physical presence!! But to me you were an amazing brother, Alan, who could withstand such negative forces in these, of what should have been, your "golden" years of your life, especially through your passing. I am so glad that you had such wonderful families with your children, grandchildren, and step children to love you, cheer you on, and be there for you in spite of those opposing forces. God knows that no one could ever separate your families from you no matter how hard they tried. Your love and your spirit will always be with us, in our hearts, our souls and in our thoughts and minds. Your infectious smile and laughter,you so willingly shared with everyone, your family and so many, many friends which speaks volumes of who you are. I pray to God, be with you,and may you have the loving peace and joy you so deserve. You are now free and released from life's negative force, and cruel pains of the flesh. I pray for your joy at last, you can be with your little boy you never got to know. Thank you my brother for being my good friend. I pray Many Blessings in God's Love for you, Lots of love and hugs, your sister, Anita and Bob
Paula Fernald
April 21, 2012
I'll always remember Uncle Al chasing down and catching the horse that carried my scared, screaming sister, Cathy, and I will always remember him for his big smile, and his funny, gentle, & loving nature. My Dad would want to say that Cowboy, a good man, was lost.
Love & Peace to Shelby, Aimee, Cheryl, Mom & Bob, Aunt Dee, Uncle Alex & Aunt Ann, Aunt Jeanine & Uncle Victor, my brothers & sisters, and all of my cousins.
Keri Perreault
April 18, 2012
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 17, 2012
To the Gross family,
Sorry to hear of Al's passing. It has been a pleasure knowing him for many years. My last memories are times we chatted at Bluff Point. Condolences to all the family.
Richard (Brud) Fernald and Norma, Viera, FL
Harold Moreash
April 16, 2012
Absolutely shocking. I've known Al all my life, us old timers knew him as "Cowboy" Al was just a one of a kind great person.
Dolores McCarthy
April 14, 2012
Dear little brother Alan, you will always be there in my thoughts, like yesterday when I walked beside the river on a glorious spring day in Occum Park and heard the cries of two wild ducks as they swooped just inches off the water, listened to birds twittering in the pines while they built their spring nests, and saw butterflies fluttering in the field. You loved all creatures, big and small, and your generous heart had room for everyone. There was never a cry for assistance that you could turn down. I will always remember your kind and gentle nature and wish there were more like you on this earth. See you later in the big roundup in the sky. Love, your big sister Dee.
Lisa Lassiter
April 14, 2012
To the Gross Family, I'm sorry for your loss;My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Ur loving daughter Shelby
April 14, 2012
"Did I ever tell u ur my hero? Ur everything I wish I could be. I can fly higher than an eagle, 4 u r the wind beneath my wings." (Bette Midler)
Algie Mazzeo
April 14, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of "Cowboy's" passing. Peace and love to all of his family.
Cathy Cubilla
April 13, 2012
Love and condolences to all.
peggy ellal
April 13, 2012
Al - you were the most fun person to deal with on rejections; never got too excited about the rush jobs as they were done in timely fashion and we all survived;will never forget our special and good times - you were and will always be the best - luv peggy whitbeck
Eileen Pettit
April 13, 2012
Miss you, Uncle Alan.
Marsh
April 13, 2012
Love Always, Your grandchildren......xoxo
Ziek, Hunter & Levi Alan
Aimée Gross
April 13, 2012
I find an old photograph and see your smile. As I feel your presence anew, I am filled with warmth and my heart remembers love. ... I read an old card sent many years ago during a time of turmoil and confusion. The soothing words written then still caress my spirit and bring me peace. ... I remember who you used to be the laughter we shared and wonder what you have become. Where are you now, Where did you go, When the body is left behind and the spirit is released to fly? ... Perhaps you are the morning bird singing joyfully at sunrise,or the butterfly that dances so carelessly on the breeze or the rainbow of colors that brightens a stormy sky or the fingers of afternoon mist
delicately reaching over the mountains or the final few rays of the setting sun lighting up the skies edging the clouds with a magical glow. ... I miss your being but I feel your presence, In whatever form you choose to take, however you now choose to be. ... Your spirit has become for me a guardian angel on high guiding, advising, and watching over me.
I remember you.
You are with me and I am not afraid.
I Love You Dad <3
Gary Paul
April 13, 2012
I'm very sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was always a pleasure to be around. Condolences from the Paul family.
Gary Paul
Richard Pomroy
April 13, 2012
Al was a great friend .He will be missed ....We had some good times at bluff point where he loved to be ...He realy enjoyed it down there ,
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