Dr. Richard Henry "Dick" Gross

Dr. Richard H. Gross, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and distinguished physician, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by his loving wife, Lucille, and family. He was 89 years old.

Born on June 26, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Richard, known as "Dick" to those who loved him, was the son of Richard C. Gross and Harriett (Minster) Gross.

From an early age, Dick's competitive spirit and drive were evident, and they stayed with him throughout his remarkable life. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a scholarship as a football player. As quarterback during his freshman year, Dick displayed the leadership and determination that would become hallmarks of his career. However, his passion shifted to rowing during his sophomore year. In 1956, he helped lead the University of Pennsylvania rowing team to a national championship, famously defeating the Russian team at the Pan Pacific Games- a victory he always cherished.

Dick went on to earn his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in 1961. His surgical residency was completed at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and the Leahy Clinic in Boston, specializing in chest surgery. After a brief practice in Boston, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served from 1967 to 1969 as a surgeon at Gorgas Hospital in Panama, providing life-saving care during a challenging time in history.

Upon returning to civilian life, Dr. Gross practiced surgery for 25 years in Paoli, Pennsylvania, where he became known for his skill and dedication to his patients. After his initial retirement, he moved to Littleton, North Carolina, where he embraced a new challenge- family medicine. He served his community for an additional 22 years, retiring once again at the age of 80.

In 2017, Dick and his wife, Lucille, moved to Xenia, Ohio, to be closer to Lucille's son, Joe. It was there that he spent his final years, surrounded by his children, stepchildren, and many loved ones. His mind remained sharp until his final days. Dr. Gross was an exceptional man- devoted to his family, his profession, and his community. His wisdom and dedication made a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Beyond his medical practice, Dick had a deep love for the beach, and his family will honor his memory with a celebration of life in Cape May this fall, a place he adored.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of many years, Lucille (Ceccarelli) Gross. He is also survived by his two daughters, Erika (Robert O'Neill) Gross and Leslie (Gross) Padilla; his three stepsons, Joe (Julia) DiCicco, Sean (Audrey) DiCicco, and Eric (Wendy) DiCicco; and his beloved grandchildren: Colin O'Neill, Oscar and Paloma Padilla, Dylan (Gina), Blake, and Luke DiCicco, Julia Wichinsky, Gabriela and Olivia DiCicco, Cooper, Liam, and Ty DiCicco. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Sofia DiCicco.

He is further survived by his in-laws, Debby (Knute) Ceccarelli, Denise (Jeff) Marr, Brian (Kim) Ceccarelli, Renee (Mark) Ujevich, and Gary (Julie) Ceccarelli, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

Dr. Richard H. Gross leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication. His family, friends, and patients will forever remember his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of life will be held in Cape May, New Jersey, in the fall, in keeping with Dick's love of the beach and the joy it brought him throughout his life. Details of the service will be shared closer to the date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, whose compassionate care supported Dick and his family in his final days.

Rest in peace, Dick. You were loved beyond measure.

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