PENOBSCOT – Ralph Edward Gross Sr., 87, died Aug. 19, 2007, at Penobscot Nursing Home after a short illness with prostate cancer. He was born Jan. 30, 1920, in Castine, the son of John and Lora (Hutchins) Gross. He graduated from Clark High School, Class of 1937. Ralph married Marie Babbidge of Brooksville, Oct. 1, 1938. Marie died June 18, 1981. Ralph was self-employed all his life. He served as road commissioner for the Town of Penobscot for decades. He was a founding member and the first assistant chief of the Penobscot Volunteer Fire Department. Ralph was a 50-year member and past master of Rising Star Lodge of Masons No. 177 AF & AM. He was a member and former board of trustee member of Penobscot United Methodist Church. He is survived by three sons, Ralph Gross Jr. and wife, Lois, of Penobscot, Richard Gross and wife, Yvonne, of Turner and James Gross Sr. and wife, Jeanne, of Penobscot; eight grandchildren, Eleanor Collinsworth of Brockport, N.Y., Steven Gross of East Millinocket, Carolyn Gross of Limerick, Geoffrey Gross of Greene, Yvette Bates of Turner, James Gross Jr. of Penobscot, Jayne Gross of Bangor and June Gross of Sedgwick; six great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, two sisters and two brothers. Friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Jordan-Fernald, 141 South St., Blue Hill, where Masonic services will be held 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Penobscot United Methodist Church. Ralph’s family thanks the caregivers of Hospice of Hancock County and the employees of Penobscot Nursing Home for the loving care they have provided to our father. Family and friends are requested to make contributions in Ralph’s memory to Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Condolences may be expressed online at www.jordanfernald.com
RALPH E. GROSS
