Ken Gross

Kenneth J. Gross “Ken”, 83, of Independence, NJ passed away peacefully on August 29, 2022 at Hackettstown Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born on November 23, 1938 in Danbury, Connecticut to the late Max and Edythe Gross.

Ken proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1961-1963 ending his tour of duty on the U.S.S. Fletcher. Ken earned his Master’s degree at Western Connecticut State University. He then received his six year certificate from the University of Bridgeport. He was employed as the Superintendent of Schools in Tewksbury, NJ prior to his retirement in 2001 after over thirty years in education. Ken married the love of his life Gloria (nee; DeCesare) in 1974. Together they resided in Liberty Township, NJ prior to moving to Independence for the last 29 years. Ken was of the Catholic faith and a parishioner of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hackettstown. He was a member of the American Legion and a past member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ken enjoyed golf, bowling and traveling and had a true passion for carpentry. He was a beloved fan of the New York Giants, holding season tickets for over fifty years dating back to home games at Yankee Stadium. Ken loved his family more than anything else in life. He was married for 48 years, a father of five and a grandfather (Pop Pop) of seven. He was a hard worker who could never sit still and loved the little things in life. He will be greatly missed!

Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Gloria Gross, his loving children; Justin Gross and his wife Marisa, Matthew Gross and his wife Misty Pisani, Brendan Gross and his wife Danielle, Timothy McManus and his wife Doreen, Christopher McManus and his wife Karen. His adored grandchildren; Lennon, Lyla, Lily, Penny, and Brody Gross, Meadow Pisani-Gross and Jenna McManus. He also leaves behind a brother, Edward Gross. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two children, a son Marshall and a daughter Michele.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 302 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Burial will take place at Pequest Union Cemetery in Great Meadows, NJ.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maguire- Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. To send an online condolence please visit www.maguire-scalamemorialhome.com.