Stewart Eugene Gross Jr.

This is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to write. Not because of the sadness of the moment or the finality of an obituary but because when faced with talking about someone’s life, someone I grew up with and am supposed to know, I realized I only knew one version of him.

I always thought my dad lived a simple life, but in these past days of reflecting and preparing to tell his story, I have come to see the many layers that shaped who he was. I reached out to a few people throughout his life to try to sum it all up into a well written story about him, but they too offered many different versions.

Born December 21, 1950, in Harrisburg, Stewart Eugene Gross Jr. grew up in Linglestown, PA and graduated in 1969 from Central Dauphin High School. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a truck driver working with various trucking companies and eventually retiring from Consolidated Freight. He was a member of the Teamsters.

Stew was a lifetime member of the William Penn Social Association and a member of the Sons of The American Legion Post 272 Linglestown. He managed an after-hours club in Harrisburg for several years where he spent a lot of time with his son and his friends. Many of them will affectionately remember his term of endearment calling them “pardner.”

Stew lived life without reservation and on his terms regardless of popular opinion. He spent a lot of time with friends and those connections mattered deeply to him. Stew was the kind of person people were drawn to. Always the life of the party and he knew how to have fun. He made sure everyone was welcome and had a good time. He always had a joke to tell and an infectious sense of humor. He had the kind of laugh that filled a room and an endearing smile that made you smile back. He enjoyed music and loved dancing with his mom. When he was younger, he owned a side business called “Stew’s Oldies but Goodies” where he worked as a disc jockey for local clubs and family events. His love of music carried over to his children leading his son to become a musician. The song Easy by The Commodores will forever play in our hearts.

Stew was a fan of Penn State football and NASCAR. At one time he owned a converted bus and would often take friends with him to enjoy the games or races. He was a die-hard New York Yankees and Denver Broncos fan.

Stew enjoyed life outdoors; he golfed, went on salmon fishing trips, and enjoyed camping. He also played darts and pool. He took pride in a clean car, often going out of his way to carefully detail and look over not only his own, but anyone else’s as well.

Stew loved dogs and had many throughout his life. His dog Molly was his side kick. She went everywhere with him and was often rewarded with leftover food in a to-go bag. When she passed, he filled his heart with a new pup, Maggie, who protected him and provided lots of love, especially during his final days.

Stew was preceded in death by his mother AnnaBelle (Owens) Bowers and his father, Stewart Gross Sr, his brother R. Steven Gross, his sister Nancy Martin, stepfather Charles “Zeke” Bowers, and his son Stewart Gross III.

After the loss of his mother and his son, Stew softened. As he aged, he slowed his pace and valued the moments he shared with the loved ones who remained.

He is survived by his sister Shirley (Gross) Monroe, his daughter Stephanie (Gross) Freedman and her husband Daniel. His granddaughter Kady Freedman and grandsons, Jacob Gross and Luke Vaughn. His long-time companion Teri Boyd and her children Jennifer Cook, Michael Boyd, and his wife Amanda, along with Teri’s grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife, MaryJane Gross and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

After thinking about his 75 years of life, he cannot be summed up in just one way. He was a different, but genuine version throughout each year of life, allowing the moments in time to mold him, some good, some bad. He was generous with those that needed it most. He was the type of person who left a mark on everyone he met. He was real and sometimes complicated.

Stew was wearing his Derek Jeter “Farewell Captain” T-shirt on the day of his passing, a quietly fitting detail.

As Stew’s final wish, he chose a whole-body donation for medical and dental education and research through the Humanity Gifts Registry (hgrpa.org). Following the completion of his contribution, interment will take place at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Harrisburg.

A celebration of life will be announced at the convenience of the family.

In his memory, please consider donations to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital as he often donated to this charity or the American Cancer Society.